USS Gerald R Ford
USS Gerald R Ford: US Deploys Advanced Aircraft Carrier to Caribbean Amid Escalating Anti-Drug Operations
Nov 17, 2025 10:29 am CST
The USS Gerald R Ford, America's most advanced aircraft carrier, has arrived in the Caribbean Sea as part of Operation Southern Spear, significantly expanding US military presence in the region. With nearly a dozen Navy ships and approximately 12,000 personnel, this deployment occurs amid ongoing US strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels that have resulted in 83 fatalities since September. While the Trump administration maintains this is a counter-narcotics mission, many view it as increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government.
US-Venezuela Military Tensions Escalate as USS Gerald R Ford Deploys to Latin America
Nov 13, 2025 12:39 am CST
The USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, has arrived in Latin America amid rising tensions with Venezuela, which has announced its own "massive" military deployment in response. The US claims the naval presence aims to counter drug trafficking, while Caracas fears it disguises regime change intentions. This military standoff has drawn reactions from Colombia, which suspended intelligence sharing with Washington, and Russia, which condemned US strikes on boats as "unacceptable."