SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Navy has deployed the USS Stockdale to patrol the Eastern Pacific as part of ongoing efforts to support border security operations coordinated by U.S. Northern Command and the Department of Homeland Security.

The Stockdale, a guided-missile destroyer based in San Diego, departed Friday with a Coast Guard law enforcement team onboard. These teams are trained to assist with maritime law enforcement, including stopping illegal activity at sea and supporting humanitarian and security operations near U.S. waters.

According to the Navy, the ship’s patrol is part of a larger strategy to help protect U.S. territory and address challenges along the southern border from the maritime domain.

The deployment follows statements from U.S. Fleet Forces Commander Adm. Daryl Caudle, who recently explained that Navy ships assigned to Northern Command will operate in waters near Mexico—on both the East and West Coasts—to help monitor and secure maritime routes that may be used for illegal crossings or smuggling.

The Stockdale is replacing the USS Spruance, which deployed in March and assisted with several operations, including the rescue of 18 people from a disabled vessel 50 miles offshore. On the East Coast, the USS Gravely is also currently deployed in support of the same mission.

The Navy has not specified the length of the Stockdale’s deployment.