In the midst of the reinforcement of the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and a B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber carried out joint maneuvers on November 13 in support of the operations of Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The activity also included eight F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wing No. 8 and was part of interagency operations aimed at surveillance, interdiction, and the disruption of networks associated with drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations.
According to information released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Super Hornets of squadrons 31, 37, 87, and 213 operated together with the B-52H as a multidomain joint force, emphasizing the capability of the Gerald R. Ford strike group to coordinate with long-range strategic air platforms. The maneuver included tactical sequences and interoperability exercises in a high-demand operational environment, where escort units such as the Arleigh Burke-class (Flight IIA) destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) also participated.
These operations fall within the surveillance, patrol, and deterrence campaign that the U.S. has maintained in the Caribbean since September, accompanied by a notable reinforcement of naval and air assets. In recent weeks, Washington deployed B-1B Lancer bombers, MQ-9 Reaper drones, F-35B fighters, and amphibious units such as USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), consolidating a regional posture intended to expand detection and response capability in the face of illicit activities in the Western Hemisphere.
As a direct precedent, the U.S. Air Force published images days ago of two B-52H flying just a few kilometers from the Venezuelan coast during a long-range mission initiated at Minot Air Force Base. On that occasion, the bombers flew close to the Paraguaná Peninsula and the coastline of Punto Fijo, Coro, and Maiquetía, highlighting the public nature of these high-profile flights, which were visible on air-tracking platforms.
The deployment of the Gerald R. Ford toward the Caribbean represents one of Washington’s most significant moves in the region in recent years. The aircraft carrier had recently participated in the Neptune Strike 2025 exercises in the Mediterranean and was expected to extend its presence in Europe, but the current U.S. administration decided to redirect it to the Caribbean as part of its strategy to “dismantle transnational criminal organizations and counter narco-terrorism.” During its transit through the Strait of Gibraltar, the aircraft carrier was escorted by the Spanish Santa Maria–class frigate Numancia (F-83), reflecting the close cooperation between both navies.
The reorientation of the aircraft carrier toward the Western Hemisphere occurs in a context of growing tensions between Washington and Caracas. Venezuela described the move as a “provocation,” while reinforcing its coastal and aerial surveillance. In turn, international organizations and countries in the region have expressed concern about the operational escalation and the use of lethal force against vessels allegedly linked to organized crime. In this scenario, the recent maneuvers of the Gerald R. Ford together with the B-52H confirm that the U.S. seeks to consolidate a reinforced surveillance posture in the Caribbean, with a combination of strategic naval and air assets aimed at sustaining its response capability and control of the regional environment.
*Image credits: U.S. Department of Defense.
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