Q: Is USS Gridley from Naval Station Everett currently deployed?
A: Yes. USS Gridley (DDG-101), homeported at Naval Station Everett since 2016, is deployed with Carrier Strike Group 11 alongside USS Nimitz (CVN-68) for the Southern Seas 2026 deployment — a circumnavigation of South America. The deployment was officially announced by U.S. Southern Command on March 23, 2026.

USS Gridley’s Southern Seas 2026 Deployment: The Complete Guide for Naval Station Everett Families

USS Gridley (DDG-101) has sailed south. On March 23, 2026, U.S. Southern Command officially announced that the guided-missile destroyer homeported at Naval Station Everett had deployed alongside USS Nimitz (CVN-68) for Southern Seas 2026 — a circumnavigation of South America that takes Everett sailors through waters spanning the Caribbean, the Atlantic coast of South America, Cape Horn, and the Pacific. For the families left behind at NAVSTA Everett, this is everything you need to know.

What Is Southern Seas 2026?

Southern Seas is the 11th iteration of a long-running U.S. 4th Fleet deployment series, running continuously since 2007. Designed to strengthen maritime partnerships across South America, Southern Seas deployments combine military-to-military training with diplomatic engagement along the continent’s coastlines — passing exercises, maritime operations, and subject matter expert exchanges with partner nation naval forces.

This year’s deployment sends USS Nimitz and USS Gridley south as the core of Carrier Strike Group 11, accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17). The strike group will conduct exercises and operations with maritime forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay.

Port visits are planned for Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica — brief windows for the crew to call home, recharge, and experience ports few Americans ever see. For families tracking the deployment, these port visits typically represent the best windows for communication and the highest crew morale.

USS Gridley: Everett’s Ship

USS Gridley (DDG-101) arrived at Naval Station Everett as her permanent homeport in July 2016. She’s an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer — Flight IIA configuration — displacing approximately 9,200 tons full load and stretching 509 feet from bow to stern. Her crew numbers approximately 280 officers and enlisted.

Gridley is named for Captain Charles Gridley, the officer who received Admiral George Dewey’s famous command — “You may fire when you are ready, Gridley” — at the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898. She was commissioned in February 2003 and has operated across the Pacific and Middle East before finding her homeport in Everett.

As part of Carrier Strike Group 11, USS Gridley operates as a close escort and anti-submarine warfare screen for USS Nimitz. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer’s capabilities include Aegis Combat System, Tomahawk land-attack missiles, Standard Missiles for air defense, and Mark 46 and Mark 50 torpedoes for anti-submarine operations.

Rear Admiral Sardiello on the Mission

“The Southern Seas 2026 deployment provides a unique opportunity to enhance interoperability and increase proficiency with our partner-nation forces across the maritime domain,” said Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello, Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet. The deployment’s geographic scope — a full circumnavigation of South America — gives Gridley’s crew experiences that few Navy deployments provide.

USS Nimitz: The Oldest Supercarrier Still Serving

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is the oldest active U.S. Navy aircraft carrier — commissioned in May 1975 and still operating as a fully capable nuclear-powered supercarrier at 50 years of service. She’s homeported at Naval Station Kitsap in Bremerton — a neighbor to Everett across the Puget Sound. As the lead ship of the Nimitz-class carriers, the USS Nimitz’s Southern Seas deployment is notable for the ship’s operational longevity and historical significance.

Support Resources for NAVSTA Everett Families

If your sailor is aboard USS Gridley for Southern Seas 2026, Naval Station Everett’s Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is your primary resource hub at the base. The FFSC provides deployment support including ombudsman services, individual counseling, financial readiness resources, and connection to community support organizations.

Key contacts at NAVSTA Everett:

Fleet and Family Support Center: (425) 304-3680, located at 2103 W. Marine View Drive, Everett
NAVSTA Everett Command Information: (425) 304-3000
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Everett: (425) 304-3680 ext. 4
Naval Station Everett Facebook: @NSEverett — official updates and family notifications

The USS Gridley Family Readiness Group (FRG) coordinates family events, communication updates, and community during deployments. If you haven’t connected with Gridley’s FRG yet, contact the ship’s ombudsman through NAVSTA’s FFSC — the ombudsman is the official communication link between ship leadership and families.

Communication During Southern Seas 2026

USS Gridley sailors have access to Navy morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) internet connectivity at sea and enhanced communication during port visits. Port visits to Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica represent the highest-communication windows of the deployment — expect more frequent calls, video chats, and social media updates during port periods.

During underway stretches, communication may be limited by operational requirements, bandwidth constraints, and mission tempo. The ombudsman receives official ship communication and will notify families of significant changes in port schedules or mission status.

Previous NAVSTA Everett Coverage You Should Know

For more on Naval Station Everett’s story in 2026, read our coverage of the original Gridley deployment story and our earlier knowledge hub on NAVSTA Everett after the frigate program cancellation, which covers the $340 million annual economic impact and what NAVSTA means to Everett’s economy and community.

Frequently Asked Questions: USS Gridley and Southern Seas 2026

Where is USS Gridley right now?

USS Gridley (DDG-101) is deployed with Carrier Strike Group 11 alongside USS Nimitz for the Southern Seas 2026 mission circumnavigating South America. As of the deployment announcement on March 23, the ships are operating in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

How long will the Southern Seas 2026 deployment last?

Typical Southern Seas deployments run 4-6 months. The Navy hasn’t publicly disclosed USS Gridley’s scheduled return date for operational security reasons. The ship’s ombudsman is the authoritative source for family members regarding timeline updates.

What ports will USS Gridley visit on Southern Seas 2026?

Port visits are planned for Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica. Exact ports, dates, and durations are subject to change based on operational requirements and aren’t publicly disclosed in advance for security reasons.

Who is USS Gridley’s crew?

USS Gridley has approximately 280 officers and enlisted crew members. The ship’s commanding officer and executive officer information is available through official Navy public affairs.

What is DESRON 9 and why does it matter for Naval Station Everett?

Destroyer Squadron 9 (DESRON 9) is the command element that oversees several destroyers homeported at NAVSTA Everett, including USS Gridley. DESRON 9 is part of Carrier Strike Group 11 aboard USS Nimitz during the Southern Seas 2026 deployment.

What support is available for Navy families during deployment at NAVSTA Everett?

Fleet and Family Support Center at (425) 304-3680, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the USS Gridley Family Readiness Group, and Navy MWR resources at Everett provide support during deployment. Contact the FFSC to connect with the Gridley FRG and ship ombudsman.