Gulf of Mexico: From missile war to combating migration

The USS Gravely (DDG 107)which is still a few weeks Red Sea numerous Drone attacks by the Houthi militias is now on guard duty at the southern border of the USA! Border security and migration defence in the Gulf of Mexico. You may ask how that works? But it works!

The national emergency declared by President Donald Trump on the border with the southern neighbour requires only the best: one of the US Navy's most battle-tested Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (Flight IIA, 155 metres, 9,500 tonnes). But using long-range anti-aircraft missiles to secure the land border on the sea side against intruders in rubber dinghies - or, as one might say, "shooting at sparrows with cannons" - is something even a dedicated crew has to get used to. Of course, the Houthis came along with self-made, remote-controlled surface drones the size of rubber dinghies, but loaded with hundreds of kilos of explosives. That was a different category!

With the departure from Norfolk at the weekend, a Coast Guard LEDET (Law Enforcement Detachment) contingent was embarked in support, which by now should be very familiar with the new task of combating migration after its commander-in-chief was quietly dismissed for incompetence in January. "The USS Gravely's operational capabilities at sea strengthen our ability to enhance the territorial integrity, sovereignty and security of the United States," said the commanding general of the US Northern Command, Air Force General Gregorio Guillot, at the farewell ceremony.

The guided missile destroyer supplements the thousands of soldiers and police forces that the President ordered to the border immediately after taking office. The wall is up - now also in the Gulf of "America"!

Alligator - keep a lookout!

The marineforum will probably not be invited to the White House press conference for the next four years.