The Secretary of the Navy (Semar) reported that the USS Gravely warship of the U.S. Navy arrived at the Port of Veracruz last Friday for the purpose of refueling and resupplying, as well as allowing its crew to rest. According to Semar, the presence of the ship does not pose any risk to national security and will set sail on Monday, April 28, after carrying out these logistical activities.
The Semar statement indicated that the USS Gravely is docked at the south dock 9 of the port of Veracruz to carry out a logistical operational visit, where it will refuel and resupply, in addition to resting its personnel. It was emphasized that these actions are normal practices established by International Law and the corresponding maritime laws.
With a length of 155.7 meters and a beam of 20.2 meters, the USS Gravely has a crew composed of 40 officers, 245 non-commissioned officers, and 6 civilians. The Secretary of the Navy reiterated its commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation with other navies of the world, following principles of mutual respect, national sovereignty, and international coordination.
For its part, the Pentagon announced that the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer of the Arleigh Burke class, was deployed by the United States Northern Command to assist in border security operations, specifically in the Gulf of Mexico. The mission includes the protection of U.S. sovereignty through the interception of drugs and objects directed at the country.
General Alexus G. Grynkewich, director of operations of the Pentagon's Joint Chiefs of Staff, explained that the USS Gravely will work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard on these missions. According to the statement, the deployment of the ship is part of the government's efforts to control the southern border and maintain the territorial integrity of the United States, thereby reinforcing control of territorial waters.
