The U.S. military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean by deploying thousands of Marines and advanced naval assets near Venezuela. This operation, named Operation Southern Spear, was announced on November 13, 2025, by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The primary aim is to combat narco-terrorism in the region and disrupt drug trafficking that impacts the United States.
Deployment Details
On November 11, 2025, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group entered the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area. It officially arrived in the Caribbean Sea on November 16, 2025. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s newest supercarrier, enhances operational capabilities with its fleet of F-35C stealth fighters and state-of-the-art radars.
Force Composition
The current buildup includes:
- USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group
- USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group
- 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)
In total, nearly a dozen warships and approximately 12,000 sailors and Marines are now active in the region. The USS Iwo Jima carries over 2,200 Marines, along with MV-22 Ospreys, CH-53E helicopters, and landing crafts.
Joint Exercises with Trinidad and Tobago
Simultaneously, from November 16 to November 21, the 22nd MEU conducted joint exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF). These operations took place in both urban and rural settings, focusing on countering transnational threats and improving disaster response.
Strategic Location
Trinidad and Tobago are located approximately 6.9 miles from Venezuela’s coast. The U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain emphasized the exercises aimed to bolster regional stability and address illegal weapons and drug trafficking.
Historical Context
The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford marks the most substantial U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean since the Cold War. The increase in military activity follows months of U.S. operations targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in international waters.
Operational Readiness
SOUTHCOM has shared videos of live-fire exercises from the USS Iwo Jima, showcasing the Marines’ readiness to respond to threats. The operation leverages a hybrid fleet, including unmanned systems, to maintain continuous monitoring of the area.
As Operation Southern Spear unfolds, U.S. forces are strategically positioned across the southern Caribbean, underscoring America’s commitment to regional security and combatting drug-related terrorism.
