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USS Stockdale Returns to San Diego After Deployment
The USS Stockdale, part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, has returned to its home port in San Diego after a seven-month deployment covering the regions of the 3rd, 5th, and 7th fleets on February 21, 2025. (Credit: U.S. Navy/ Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Paul LeClair)
In a significant operational move, the Navy has recently deployed another warship that has been actively involved in countering multiple attacks from Iranian-backed Houthi forces, as part of a larger strategy to secure the southern U.S. border.
The USS Stockdale, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, departed Naval Base San Diego on a Friday mission aligned with U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) relating to southern border operations, following directives set forth in a recent executive order by President Donald Trump.
This order included a declaration of national emergency and outlined the military’s role in ensuring the protection of U.S. territorial integrity.
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The USS Stockdale (DDG 106) is currently on deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Schneider/Released)
The Navy stated, “Stockdale’s departure underscores the service’s commitment to fulfilling the Department of Defense’s coordinated approach in response to the executive order.”
As part of its mission, the vessel will operate alongside a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment.
In February, stockdale completed an independent deployment that lasted for seven months across the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet operational areas.
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The USS Stockdale returned to Naval Base San Diego on February 21. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Paul LeClair)
After its deployment, it rejoined the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group before remaining active in the 5th Fleet following the departure of the Carrier Strike Group.
During its time in the 5th Fleet, the Stockdale was reported to have “successfully repelled several attacks from Iranian-backed Houthis,” notably while navigating the Bab el-Mandeb strait and during escort operations of U.S.-registered vessels within the Gulf of Aden, as confirmed by Navy officials.
The vessel was also engaged in the defense against and destruction of uncrewed aerial threats during its operations.
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The guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) in the Arabian Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Phil Ladouceur/Released)
According to reports, the Stockdale returned to base without sustaining any damage and all personnel onboard were unharmed.
In addition to the Stockdale, the USS Spruance and USS Gravely, both Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, were previously dispatched to the southern border in March, as highlighted by Fox News Digital.
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“In its role as the leader for implementing border-related executive orders, USNORTHCOM remains committed to addressing critical capability gaps within the Department of Homeland Security, with the Stockdale making an essential contribution to these initiatives,” stated the Navy.
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