Trump’s use of warship for border security a ‘smart’ use of military force, expert says
President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy a Navy warship to assist with security at the southern border is sending a strong message of deterrence to those considering crossing into the U.S. by sea, according to experts.
Alfonso Aguilar, a former chief of the U.S. Office of Citizenship and the director of Hispanic engagement at the American Principles Project, believes that while it may be unusual to deploy a Navy warship for border security, it is a smart move. Aguilar stated, “It’s unusual, normally you see land forces, but it’s still smart.”
The USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has been deployed to assist in border security efforts under Trump’s executive order. The warship’s primary mission will be to patrol the Gulf of America to deter drug smugglers and enhance maritime efforts to combat terrorism, weapons proliferation, transnational crime, piracy, environmental destruction, and illegal seaborne immigration.
The Navy’s deployment of the USS Gravely signifies its commitment to protecting the United States’ territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security. Gen. Gregory Guillot of U.S. Northern Command stated, “Gravely’s sea-going capacity improves our ability to protect the United States’ territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security.”
Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized the importance of controlling both the land and territorial waters of the United States. He stated, “It’s not only vital for the United States to have control of our border via land. It’s equally important to control our territorial waters, and this deployment directly supports U.S. Northern Command’s mission to protect our sovereignty.”
Aguilar highlighted that the military has already been instrumental in securing the southern land border, making the Navy’s involvement at sea the next logical step. He stated, “It’s what the military calls force projection. It’s a great way to dissuade those who want to try to come to the U.S. through the sea … it’s a show of force.”
The deployment of the USS Gravely will complement the operations of the U.S. Coast Guard and enhance their capability to cover more sea territory. This joint effort between the Navy and Coast Guard aims to send a strong message to individuals considering sea crossings as an alternative to land crossings.
Aguilar also pointed out that the timing of the deployment aligns with the success of land forces in securing the border under Trump’s administration. He emphasized the need to close off all entry points into the U.S., including sea routes, to prevent illegal immigration.
In conclusion, the deployment of the USS Gravely serves as a strategic move to bolster border security efforts and deter illegal activity at sea. This joint operation between the Navy and Coast Guard demonstrates the United States’ commitment to safeguarding its borders and maintaining national security.
