New U.S. Warship Dispatched to Support Border Security Efforts

On April 11, the U.S. Navy deployed a warship to bolster ongoing U.S. border security operations.

The USS Stockdale left Naval Base San Diego on Friday, tasked with supporting the multi-agency operations along the U.S.–Mexico border.

A Law Enforcement Detachment from the U.S. Coast Guard is aboard the destroyer, prepared to assist in various missions, such as maritime interdictions and humanitarian efforts.

The Stockdale is taking over the responsibilities of the USS Spruance, which had its deployment from San Diego on March 22.

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“Our southern border faces numerous threats. The intricate nature of the current circumstances necessitates a more proactive military role in securing our southern border than has been seen recently,” Trump articulated in the memo addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

The memo from Trump outlines federal lands where military control may be exerted to facilitate the construction of new border barriers, along with detection and monitoring systems.

Since the beginning of his administration in January, Trump has increased the military presence along the U.S.–Mexico border.

Prior to this deployment, the Stockdale had engaged in a seven-month independent mission throughout the Pacific, covering the areas of operation for the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleets.

As the recent deployment progressed, Stockdale went on to operate in the U.S. 5th Fleet area in the Middle East, joining the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. It played a critical role in repelling drone and missile assaults from Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting vessels in the area, and conducted escort missions to safeguard U.S.-flagged ships in the Gulf of Aden.

Stockdale concluded this seven-month deployment and returned to its home port in San Diego in February.

Bill Pan contributed to this report.