Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS St. Louis (LCS 19) departed Naval Station Mayport in support of U.S. Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) mission to secure the southern border of the United States, Sept. 13, 2026.
St. Louis assumes duties previously executed by the USS Cooperstown (LCS 23) in support of USNORTHCOM’s border security objectives. U.S. Northern Command is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to augment U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland.
“Our crew has trained relentlessly for this deployment, and they stand ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. I could not be more proud to lead these Sailors,” said Cmdr. Lester Shewmake, commanding officer of USS St. Louis. “To our families and the Mayport community—thank you for your unwavering support as we head to sea.”
U.S. Navy assets are deployed under U.S. Northern Command’s maritime homeland defense authorities to enable maritime
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