A Navy destroyer has deployed to the Gulf of America on a mission usually reserved for the U.S. Coast Guard to help deter illegal crossings and drug trafficking as part the military’s efforts to bolster security along the southern border.

The vessel is commonly used in overseas missions. The Coast Guard typically takes a lead role in security missions at sea close to the United States.

The guided-missile destroyer, which left the Middle East in June, will help "restore territorial integrity" at the US border, officials said.