Gridley departed Everett with Nimitz on March 9 and escorted the carrier during portions of its final voyage around South America under Operation Southern Seas 2026. After supporting the carrier’s transition into the U.S. 2nd Fleet area, the destroyer operated under Joint Task Force-Western Hemisphere as part of Operation Southern Spear.
That operation targeted narcotics trafficking and distribution in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Gridley’s embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 detachment contributed nearly 490 operational flight hours to regional counter-narcotics efforts.
“I am extremely proud of the Gridley crew and all they accomplished during this surge deployment to the 4th Fleet area of operations,” said Cmdr. Magdalena Keel, Gridley’s commanding officer. “Their efforts were vital to advancing bilateral relationships with 18 nations in South America.”
The destroyer engaged with 18 allied navies and partner nations across the Caribbean, Central America and South America, including joint helicopter operations with three allied navies. Bilateral events and multinational exchanges focused on improving interoperability and strengthening maritime partnerships.
Gridley and Nimitz transited the Strait of Magellan, which the Navy described as the first such passage by a U.S. warship in two years. Gridley also made its first Panama Canal transit and visited Panama, Chile, Brazil, Puerto Rico and Ecuador.
The crew completed more than 50 special evolutions during the deployment. Sailors also took part in community relations projects during port visits, supporting ties with host navies and regional partners.
