The U.S. Northern Command reported on the deployment of the warship USS St. Louis to the maritime border with Mexico, proposed as part of an operation to reinforce security and curb illicit activities.
“The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS St. Louis (LCS 19) departed Naval Station Mayport, Florida, on September 13 to assume the homeland maritime defense mission,” the institution noted in a post on X.
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He also specified that this vessel relieved the USS Cooperstown (LCS 23) and will work alongside the Naval Forces Command and Customs and Border Protection “to conduct maritime interdictions, disrupt illicit trafficking and protect the homeland”.
The U.S. 2nd Fleet expanded on the information in a statement in which Commander Lester Shewmake, commanding officer of the USS St. Louis, specified that the crew “has trained tirelessly” for this deployment and is prepared “for any challenge that may arise.”
Background
The ship that set sail is under the command of the U.S. Naval Forces and is part of the fleet that provides planning support and operational coordination in joint missions with Northern Command.
The deployment of the vessel takes place following the questioned high-seas operations by the U.S. military in the Caribbean, which left hundreds dead. Likewise, it coincides with a time of strong tensions between Mexico and the U.S. regarding security, trade, and defense, as President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly rejected President Donald Trump’s proposal to send troops to the neighboring country to combat drug trafficking.
