The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), a massive aircraft carrier, is set to make its inaugural port call to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands on December 1. This visit comes as part of its deployment in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, aimed at providing some well-deserved rest and relaxation for the sailors.
After being redeployed from the Mediterranean, the carrier is currently involved in Operation Southern Spear, operating under the U.S. Fourth Fleet, to bolster efforts against drug trafficking from South America. Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, expressed pride in the adaptability of his crew, emphasizing the importance of this port visit for their continued mission to maintain law and order across the Western Hemisphere in line with presidential priorities.
The Gerald R. Ford and its strike group entered the Caribbean Sea via the Anegada Passage on November 16. This powerful naval force is complemented by the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as part of Joint Task Force Southern Spear.
Since departing from Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, the carrier strike group has completed extensive operations, including multi-domain activities in the Atlantic and joint exercises in the Mediterranean with several allies. Their deployments included participation in NATO’s Neptune Strike enhanced vigilance activities and successful port visits to countries like Croatia, France, and Spain.
Increasing geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly concerning Venezuela and drug cartel activities, have drawn attention to the movements of the carrier strike group. Recently, former President Donald Trump indicated that the airspace over Venezuela is essentially closed, hinting at potential U.S. military actions in the region, which could stem from operations aboard the carrier. As the USS Gerald R. Ford navigates its mission, the eyes of the world are on its strategic maneuvers and the implications for regional stability.