As part of the naval operations that the United States maintains in the Caribbean, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) remains deployed under the area of responsibility of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), consolidating itself as one of the main military assets deployed in the region. Its presence is part of a broader naval posture aimed at supporting maritime security operations, the interdiction of illicit trafficking, and assistance to federal agencies in line with the strategic priorities that Washington has set for the region over the past several months.
According to information released by U.S. Southern Command itself, the USS Gerald R. Ford is operating alongside a broader group of assets composed of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), USS Fort Lauderdale, and USS San Antonio, together with personnel and assets from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), which are in a high state of readiness to carry out missions linked to Operation Southern Spear.
This operation, which has been underway for several months and is focused on Central America and the Caribbean, is part of a broader effort by U.S. Southern Command to strengthen maritime and aerial interdiction capabilities against illicit activities in the Western Hemisphere, particularly those related to drug trafficking, smuggling, and clandestine networks operating in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. In this context, the deployment of U.S. military assets such as the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has added an additional dimension to the operation. Not least, the capabilities provided by its embarked air wing have enabled it to sustain missions with greater reach, as well as to conduct patrols and maritime space control missions alongside U.S. Coast Guard assets.
On the other hand, the presence of the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the United States Navy has been reinforced by a wide array of surface combatants, including destroyers and cruisers, as well as amphibious assault ships of the LHD and LPD types, such as the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28), and USS San Antonio (LPD-17). In particular, the USS Iwo Jima has not only been conducting training activities with U.S. Marine Corps personnel and assets, but has also gained relevance before, during, and after Operation Absolute Resolve.
While its presence already carries a significant deterrent value on its own, since its arrival in November the aircraft carrier has taken part in a considerable number of operations and activities, ranging from maritime and aerial surveillance missions to exercises of various types. For its part, aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8)—including F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft—have conducted launch and recovery operations throughout their stay in the Caribbean.
Finally, although official timelines for the conclusion of the current mission have not been specified, it is expected that the USS Gerald R. Ford will continue operating in the USSOUTHCOM area in support of interagency and maritime security operations, before eventually transitioning to other areas of responsibility or returning to its homeport for maintenance activities.
Photographs: U.S. Southern Command.
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