The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), one of the largest aircraft carriers in the world, is scheduled to make its first-ever port call in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on December 1. This visit is part of a broader mission under the U.S. Southern Command, providing sailors with a much-needed opportunity for rest and relaxation after their deployment.
Redeployed from the Mediterranean, the carrier is actively involved in Operation Southern Spear, operating under the command of the U.S. Fourth Fleet to combat drug trafficking originating from South America. Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, highlighted the crew’s impressive adaptability and the significance of this port visit in supporting their ongoing mission to uphold law and order throughout the Western Hemisphere in alignment with presidential directives.
Since entering the Caribbean Sea via the Anegada Passage on November 16, the USS Gerald R. Ford has joined forces with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as part of Joint Task Force Southern Spear. The carrier strike group has been on duty since departing Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, and their operations have included multifaceted exercises in the Atlantic and collaborative drills in the Mediterranean with various allies. Notable activities encompassed participation in NATO’s Neptune Strike and successful visits to ports in nations such as Croatia, France, and Spain.
Recent geopolitical tensions, particularly around Venezuela and drug cartel operations, have amplified interest in the carrier group’s movements. Former President Donald Trump recently remarked that Venezuelan airspace is essentially closed, suggesting potential U.S. military actions may be on the horizon. As the USS Gerald R. Ford continues its mission, its strategic operations are pivotal in asserting regional stability and combating rising threats. The presence of such a formidable naval force in the Caribbean underscores the United States’ commitment to maintaining security and peace in the region.