The U.S. continues increasing its military capabilities in the Caribbean within the framework of Operation Southern Spear, a mission that began as a counternarcotics interdiction effort and that in recent weeks has expanded its scope to increase pressure on the government of Nicolás Maduro. Official sources confirmed the dispatch of F-35A stealth fighters from the Vermont Air National Guard, which represents a new increase in the U.S. aerial presence in the region.
Deployment of F-35A from Vermont
A U.S. official reported that F-35A aircraft from the 158th Fighter Wing will be sent to the Caribbean. Although the quantity, arrival date, and final destination were not specified, it emerged that they could operate from the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico, recently used as an operations center for Defense Department air assets.
Media in Vermont reported that the unit is preparing for its deployment. “Lt. Col. Meghan Smith confirmed to Vermont Public on Wednesday that the 158th Fighter Wing ‘has received a federal mobilization order,’” the outlet stated. The officer added: “While we cannot discuss specific timelines or locations, our airmen train continuously to ensure they are prepared to support federal and state missions when and where they are needed.”
The governor of Vermont, Phil Scott, indicated that he has no details regarding the destination of the fighters. “The Pentagon issued the mobilization orders under Title 10,” he declared. “There is not much I can share because I don’t know much about the mission. Everything, as I understand it, comes from the National Guard or the Pentagon at this point.”
The arrival of the F-35A, the first tactical fighters of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) deployed in the Caribbean, will expand the strike capability of the U.S. force. These aircraft can employ 2,000-pound guided munitions and operate at greater range than the F-35B currently in Puerto Rico, which represents a significant reinforcement of the aerial component of Southern Spear.
Increase of aerial capabilities in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
The deployment of the F-35A adds to the recent arrival of EA-18G Growler electronic-warfare aircraft, detected in Roosevelt Roads, as well as the incorporation of combat, search-and-rescue (CSAR) assets and aerial-refueling platforms. Photographs released by Reuters showed HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60W Jolly Green Giant II helicopters stationed in Puerto Rico. At the same time, KC-135 Stratotankers are operating from the Dominican Republic, and KC-46 Pegasus aircraft are doing so from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to Pentagon sources, this concentration of units constitutes a regional posture more suitable for tactical air-combat operations over hostile territory.
In a press conference with reporters, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt indicated that the U.S. president is not seeking a prolonged conflict in Venezuela. “A prolonged war is something the president is not interested in,” she stated. She added that the objective is “to see the end of illegal drug trafficking into the United States.”
Activity of the USS Gerald R. Ford and associated operations
The aerial presence is complemented by the naval deployment led by the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which resumed its operations in the Caribbean after a stop in St. Thomas. The ship, belonging to Carrier Strike Group 12, entered the region on November 16 to carry out maritime-surveillance, interdiction, and regional-security support missions under SOUTHCOM.
During the first days of December, the aircraft of Carrier Air Wing No. 8 —including F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye— maintained a high pace of deck operations, with landing exercises, takeoffs, and aerial patrols.
An evolving operation
Southern Spear continues incorporating new capabilities and platforms in a process of accelerated expansion. The arrival of the F-35A, along with the increase of CSAR assets, refueling aircraft, and naval units, marks a shift in the operational readiness of the United States in the Caribbean.
This evolution indicates a scenario in which U.S. forces are configuring a presence oriented toward sustaining complex air operations, while maintaining public objectives related to narcotics interdiction and diplomatic pressure on the Venezuelan government.
*Cover image obtained from Vermont Air National Guard.
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