To bolster security along the southern U.S. border, the Navy has deployed the USS Stockdale, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, in support of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) operations.
This deployment follows recent executive orders from President Donald Trump, which declared a national emergency and outlined the military’s role in safeguarding U.S. borders.
The Stockdale departed Naval Base San Diego on Friday, continuing a mission that began earlier this year with an independent seven-month deployment across the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation. During this period:
- It integrated with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and remained in the 5th Fleet after the group’s departure.
- The ship successfully defended against several attacks launched by Iranian-backed Houthi forces while navigating the Bab el-Mandeb strait, providing escort for U.S.-flagged vessels in the Gulf of Aden.
- It effectively countered and neutralized one-way attack drones.
Importantly, these engagements occurred without incident; the Stockdale sustained no damage and all personnel remained unharmed.
“Stockdale’s departure reinforces the Navy’s commitment to the Department of Defense’s coordinated efforts in fulfilling this directive,” a statement from the Navy indicated.
The Stockdale joins USS Spruance and USS Gravely, two other Arleigh Burke-class destroyers already deployed to the border region since March. USNORTHCOM stated: “As the DoD’s lead for implementing border-related executive orders, USNORTHCOM continues to support critical Department of Homeland Security capabilities gaps, with Stockdale making a vital contribution to these efforts.”
The ship is operating alongside an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment.
