Within the framework of the Southern Seas 24 deployment, the Air Wing of the USS George Washington aircraft carrier continues training prior to its arrival in the waters of the Argentine Republic. The U.S. Navy vessel is escorted by an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the USS Porter (DDG 78), and supported by a Henry J. Kaiser-class tanker, the USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189).
Thanks to various images published by the U.S. Navy in recent days, it is evident that the USS Washington aircraft carrier is operating along with fifth-generation F-35C Lightning II fighters from the VFA-147 “Argonauts” squadron, F-18E/F Super Hornet fighter-bombers from the VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers” squadron, E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft assigned to the VAW-116 “Sun Kings” squadron, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft from the VAQ-140 “Patriots” squadron, MH-60R Seahawk multi-purpose helicopters from the HSM-46 “Grandmasters” squadron, and MH-60S from the HSC-5 “Nightdippers” squadron.
“Southern Seas 2024 will provide an opportunity to improve interoperability and increase competency with the maritime forces of partner countries… Deployments like Southern Seas strengthen maritime partnerships and build confidence with our partners in the region,” expressed Rear Admiral Jim Aiken, Commander of the U.S. Southern Command of the U.S. Naval Forces/U.S. 4th Fleet.
Despite the aircraft carrier’s presence in the waters of the South Atlantic being due to a change in its homeport, the U.S. Navy will not only take advantage of the opportunity to carry out various exercises with the Navies of the region’s countries but the vessel is also an additional piece in the U.S. effort to increase its presence and improve regional ties.
This was demonstrated by the aerial operations carried out a few days ago by two F-18E/F Super Hornets over Guyanese territory, an activity that aligns with Washington’s stance regarding the dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region.
If the schedule holds, the Washington aircraft carrier will train with Argentine Navy air-naval units in the last days of May combined operations that will take place within the framework of a new PASSEX exercise. It is expected that the Argentine Navy will deploy several of its naval units, as well as helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft. Although not officially confirmed, the exercises could involve at least one MEKO 360 destroyer, one MEKO 140 corvette, and one OPV87/90 oceanic patrol vessel.
In addition to Argentina, Southern Seas 2024 will include combined activities with naval forces from Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay, and visits to ports in Brazil, Chile, and Peru.
Cover image: US Navy – Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class August Clawson
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