The USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), one of the U.S. Navy’s Wasp-class amphibious assault ships, is one of the units currently deployed in the Caribbean, in the vicinity of Venezuela, as part of a regional-scale operation of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). For observers, the presence of the ship, recently complemented by the arrival in the region of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, reflects one of the largest U.S. naval movements in the area in decades, combining amphibious capabilities, embarked aviation, and Marine Corps units in an area that Washington considers key for maritime security operations and narcotics control.
Getting to know the USS Iwo Jima, a “mini aircraft carrier” in service with the U.S. Navy
The Iwo Jima is mostly known for being an LHD (Landing Helicopter Deck) amphibious assault ship that belongs to the Wasp class, which has a total of eight ships built (seven in service and one retired). Its design allows it to operate as a sort of “mini aircraft carrier,” or light carrier, with a full flight deck and the capacity to host and operate fixed-wing VTOL aircraft, such as the F-35B and AV-8B Harrier II, and helicopters. It can also transport troops, amphibious armored vehicles, landing craft, and all necessary elements to carry out and sustain large-scale amphibious operations.
Launched in February 2000 and entering service in June 2001, the Iwo Jima measures 275 meters in length and around 40,000 tons of displacement, combining troop transport functions, command and control center, and air-naval platform, which allows it to sustain prolonged expeditionary operations.
The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group
During its current deployment, the ship leads the so-called Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, made up of the following vessels and combat units of the U.S. Armed Forces:
- USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) – Flagship and main deployment platform.
- USS New York (LPD-21) – San Antonio-class LPD-type amphibious assault ship.
- USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) – Harpers Ferry-class landing ship.
- 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) – U.S. Marine Corps with expeditionary capability.
Regarding the Embarked Air Group, it is made up of the following aircraft:
- AV-8B Harrier II+ attack aircraft of the reinforced VMM-263, some equipped with AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM missiles.
- CH-53E Super Stallion and MH-60S/R Seahawk transport helicopters.
- MV-22B Osprey aircraft and support units.
According to images and videos released in recent weeks, almost all these units have been carrying out exercises regularly in the Caribbean, including air operations, amphibious insertions, and joint training, as well as maritime surveillance patrols.
Recent operations near Venezuela
According to official U.S. sources, the deployment of the Iwo Jima and its amphibious group forms part of a real operation — not an exercise — aimed at narcotics interdiction and reinforcement of military presence in the Caribbean. The images released by the Department of Defense show flight activities from the ship’s deck, maneuvers with armed aircraft, and coordinated operations with the U.S. Marine Corps. All of this falls within the show-of-force objective that the United States seeks in the region due to its fight against narcotrafficking.
A deployment that coincides with the presence of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.
It is important to mention that within the framework of this significant U.S. Navy deployment in the Caribbean, the operation of the Iwo Jima in the Caribbean coincides with the presence of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which further demonstrates the strategic relevance of this point in the Western Atlantic. Although the Ford operates under a different scheme from that of the LHD, its presence provides greater force capacity and complements the activities of the Iwo Jima to sustain expeditionary operations, tactical transport, and amphibious actions.
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