On Monday, two high-ranking U.S. military leaders will travel to Puerto Rico to meet with troops and express appreciation for their contributions toward missions in the Caribbean and Latin America.
The Pentagon shared details of the visit in a memo, indicating that the officials will engage with military personnel stationed in Puerto Rico, alongside sailors operating in the Caribbean.
“Gen. Dan Cain, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and SEAC David L. Isom are visiting Puerto Rico for the second time on November 24, 2025, to connect with military members and thank them for their significant support of regional initiatives,” the advisory noted. “They will also visit seafarers at sea to show gratitude for their dedicated service within Southcom’s areas of responsibility.”
Caine and Army Secretary Pete Hegseth previously visited in September, where they advocated for military training on the island, representing the Trump administration.
The visit is particularly timely as the U.S. ramps up its efforts against drug trafficking in the region, notably by increasing naval forces near Venezuela as part of President Trump’s strategy to combat the flow of narcotics from Latin America.
During that earlier visit, Secretary Hegseth acknowledged around 300 soldiers at Muniz Air Force Base, dubbing them “America’s warriors.” He emphasized that those in the armed forces are exceptionally equipped and prepared.
This enhanced military presence comes amid rising tensions in the Caribbean. Earlier this month, Hegseth had launched Operation Southern Spear, aiming to dismantle narcotics networks throughout Latin America. He mentioned that U.S. Southern Command and Joint Task Force Southern Spear would spearhead this mission to defend the homeland against narco-terrorism.
Since September, U.S. military operations have resulted in several decisive strikes against drug-smuggling vessels associated with terrorist organizations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. This campaign has resulted in the destruction of numerous vessels linked to Venezuela’s Torren de Aragua gang and Colombia’s Ejercito de Liberación Nacional, leaving many casualties among those involved in drug trafficking.
The military’s efforts include striking submarines, fishing vessels, and speedboats, with operations occurring both near Venezuela’s coast and in the eastern Pacific, where activities have been increasingly focused.
