Navy
USS Wichita deploys as part of southern border mission
Stars and Stripes
November 15, 2025
The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita departs Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Nov. 14, 2025, to support U.S. Northern Command’s southern border operations. (Brandon J. Vinson/U.S. Navy)
The USS Wichita has left Naval Station Mayport in Florida to begin a deployment at the southern border, according to a service news release.
Wichita will replace the USS St. Louis, which returned Monday.
The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita departed Friday. It will work together with the Department of Homeland Security to support the border operations that President Donald Trump has made a top priority in his second administration.
The Wichita will operate with a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment on board that officials have said brings specialized expertise in maritime interdiction to help address a range of challenges, from countering illegal activities to supporting humanitarian efforts and homeland security operations.
The deployment comes as the Pentagon has added more troops to its border operations, where U.S. forces — mostly soldiers and Marines — have provided Customs and Border Protection officials with a range of support, including reconnaissance, construction, logistics and airlift capabilities.
“USS Wichita stands ready to relieve St. Louis as the leading edge for NORTHCOM’s homeland defense mission,” said Cmdr. Travis Snover, Wichita’s commanding officer. “We will carry on the dedication, impact and hard work of our fellow shipmates and will live up to our motto as the ‘Keeper of the Seas.’ ”