Amid tensions with Venezuela, U.S. Marines demonstrate their amphibious capabilities in the Caribbean

Amid the growing climate of tensions with Venezuela, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) carried out a large-scale amphibious exercise in the Caribbean, with an extensive deployment of naval, air, and ground assets. The maneuvers, conducted in Puerto Rico during the first weeks of September, were framed within U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) operations and followed directives from the Department of Defense. The training took place in a context marked by intensified operations against vessels coming from Venezuela, accused of transporting drugs to U.S. territory.

The exercise included amphibious landing drills by the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC), testing the rapid force projection capability in crisis scenarios. The deployment featured AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, USMC F-35B stealth fighters, and CH-53K heavy helicopters for troop and equipment transport. These operations, in addition to strengthening the Marines’ combat readiness, also represented a clear political and strategic message to Caracas, which has denounced the growing militarization of the Caribbean by Washington.

Tensions escalated notably in recent weeks after attacks on two “narco” boats coming from Venezuela. The first, on September 2, left eleven crew members dead, allegedly linked to the criminal group “Tren de Aragua.” The second, carried out on September 16, ended with the destruction of another vessel and the death of three people. In both cases, President Donald Trump stated that the operations were in response to the need to protect national security against drug and fentanyl trafficking, marking a doctrinal shift by employing regular military forces instead of the Coast Guard.

Following the first attack, Nicolás Maduro’s government ordered the deployment of F-16 fighters that conducted low-altitude flights over the USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), one of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers present in the area. In addition, the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the seizure of a fishing vessel by the United States, describing the action as a hostile act aimed at “provoking an incident” to justify an escalation toward war. For the Bolivarian government, U.S. military presence in the Caribbean constitutes a direct threat to its sovereignty.

The naval component of the operation was led by the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), accompanied by the USS San Antonio (LPD-17) and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28). Together, they transport more than 4,500 personnel, including 2,000 Marines, supported by destroyers, the littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (LCS-21), the cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) equipped with the AEGIS system, and the attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN-750). This represents one of the largest amphibious groups deployed by the U.S. in the Caribbean in recent years, underscoring the deterrent nature of the operation.

The air deployment complemented this show of force. Six F-35B stealth fighters were sent to Puerto Rico, consolidating U.S. air superiority in the region. They were joined by MQ-9 Reaper drones, used in patrols for surveillance and tracking of illicit routes, providing real-time intelligence to surface units. Together, these actions reflect Washington’s determination to maintain strategic control over the Caribbean, increase pressure on Venezuela, and guarantee the security of its maritime lines in an increasingly volatile scenario.

Image credits: U.S. Marine Corps

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