Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier along with its accompanying warships and attack planes to Latin American waters, marking a significant increase in U.S. military presence in the region. This action is intended to enhance the United States’ capability to identify, monitor, and counteract illicit activities that threaten both national security and regional stability.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, highlighted the strategic importance of this enhanced military presence, stating it will aid in protecting the safety and prosperity of the U.S. homeland and bolster security throughout the Western Hemisphere. While Parnell did not specify the precise timing or location for the Ford’s deployment, Navy officials confirmed that the carrier is currently on a European mission near Croatia. It is expected to take approximately seven to ten days for the Ford to reach its new designation under U.S. Southern Command, depending on various factors like speed and weather conditions.
Since the end of August, the U.S. military has increased its footprint in the Caribbean with around 10,000 troops deployed—half aboard warships and the other half stationed in Puerto Rico. This mobilization has been described by the administration as part of a broader counterterrorism and counternarcotics strategy.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, equipped with approximately 5,000 sailors and over 75 aircraft, including F/A-18 fighters, represents the pinnacle of modern naval technology and operational capability. This deployment underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining maritime security and addressing threats within the region, ultimately aiming for a safer and more stable environment in Latin America.