The USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, at sea. It has now expanded into the territory of the US Southern Command, which conducts military operations and security cooperation efforts throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. This dramatic deployment represents a historic shift for US military presence in the region. This would be the most extensive buildup since Operation Just Cause in 1989 Panama’s invasion. The arrival comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. This latest step comes on the heels of other military aggressions by the Venezuelan executive.
The USS Gerald R Ford has more than 4,000 sailors onboard and a combat-ready air wing of dozens of tactical aircraft. Its stated purpose is to increase US operational capabilities in the region. Sean Parnell, a spokesperson for the US Navy, emphasized that the deployment will “bolster US capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities” in Latin America. This incredibly bipartisan initiative stands on the frontlines of combating narcotics trafficking. It aims to go after criminal organizations based in Caribbean and Pacific waters as part of an overall strategy.
Deploying an aircraft carrier nearly three weeks ago, as officials announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, would almost certainly qualify. This particularly formidable strike group features four guided missile destroyers and a nuclear-powered attack submarine. The strike group is meant to supplement current military assets and efforts while enhancing awareness of criminal drug trafficker movements.
In an unusual move, the US Navy tweeted about the carrier’s arrival—down to the exact date. This timing triggered increasing denunciations from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. As soon as the USS Gerald R Ford’s deployment was announced, Maduro was ready with a counterpunch. He blasted the United States for “inventing a new war,” and branded the US naval deployment the “worst danger our continent has seen in a century.” His statements are part of a concerted effort by the Venezuelan regime to align US military action with widely-condemned aggressive imperialism.
Even Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed alarm at the developments. He called for discussion rather than knee-jerk reactions leading to military action. He stated, “We are a zone of peace. We don’t need war here. The problem in Venezuela is a political one, and it must be resolved through politics.” This appeal for a peaceful diplomatic solution can’t be more different than the US’s stance. For decades, protecting military readiness has been the holy grail of US foreign policy.
The USS Gerald R Ford strike force in Puerto Rico today, along with its carrier group and carrier based aircraft. This deployment is visible evidence of the US going all-out to re-establish its control over Latin America. Further, the Trump administration has historically defended this military buildup under the guise of its eternal “war on drugs.” It focuses on traffickers, including those who reportedly help move narcotics through the region.
As tensions escalate between Venezuela and the US, we will find out the benefits or liabilities of this deployment. The US military’s over-the-top assertive posture risks inviting even sharper and more disturbing responses from Caracas. It would win broader support from other countries concerned about drug smuggling and regional security.