The Pentagon is deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, along with its air wing, to the Caribbean. This move coincides with actions taken by the Trump administration against vessels accused of smuggling drugs in the area.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s Chief Press Secretary, announced on Friday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carriers to be sent to the U.S. Southern Command region. The goal is to combat transnational criminal networks and narcoterrorism, which, they argue, threaten the security of the homeland.
Parnell indicated in a statement that the presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford would enhance the U.S.’s abilities to detect and disrupt illegal activities that pose risks to national security in the Western Hemisphere.
He added that these forces would bolster current efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and deal a blow to criminal organizations.
This decision follows a series of raids by the Trump administration, resulting in the deaths of at least 43 individuals believed to be involved in drug smuggling operations, particularly near the Caribbean, Venezuela, and the eastern Pacific. U.S. forces have labeled these individuals as “narco-terrorists.”
In a related maneuver, two B-1 Lancer bombers took off from Dyce Air Force Base in Texas and patrolled near the Venezuelan coastline on Thursday. Although Trump described claims about the bombers’ presence as “false,” he acknowledged ongoing tensions with Venezuela, particularly concerning drug issues.
In the latest incident, confirmed by Hegseth, a coalition attack involved a collision with a vessel linked to the criminal group Torren de Aragua, leading to the deaths of all six crew members aboard, while U.S. personnel remained unharmed.
Earlier this week, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which serves as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 12, had visited Croatia. This military action is part of the broader strategy by the Trump administration to put pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom U.S. officials have characterized as illegitimate.
Amid growing hostilities between Caracas and Washington, President Maduro has described the situation as a “mad war,” emphasizing the need for peace while expressing frustrations over the ongoing conflict.
Maduro stated, “Yes, peace. Yes, peace forever, peace forever. Please stop this crazy war,” during an address on Thursday.
The Venezuelan regime has increased its military footprint in the Caribbean, deploying warships and at least one nuclear submarine, alongside approximately 10,000 troops to counter drug operations. Earlier this month, Trump had authorized the CIA to conduct covert actions within Venezuela.
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gravely is scheduled to be in Trinidad and Tobago from October 26 to 30, docking in Port of Spain as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During this period, the 22nd U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit is set to engage in joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force. A statement from the ministry highlighted that this visit aims to enhance cooperation between the forces, utilizing TTDF facilities to improve tactical skills and build mutual trust through expert exchanges on core infantry tactics, maintenance procedures, and advanced medical capabilities.
Updated: 1:43 p.m.
