The reopening of a U.S. naval base in Puerto Rico marks a significant shift in military strategy in the Caribbean. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, which closed in 2004 after 61 years of operation, is now active once more. This move occurs as tensions rise regarding Venezuela, prompting the U.S. to bolster its military presence in the region.
Strategic Military Expansion in the Caribbean
Naval Station Roosevelt Roads is now one of five operational military locations in Puerto Rico, which is strategically situated just north of Venezuela. In September, the U.S. sent 10 F-35 fighter jets to the base for missions against drug cartels.
Local Reactions to Military Activity
Ceiba’s mayor, Samuel Rivera Baez, expressed support for the U.S. military presence. He highlighted a sense of security felt by locals while emphasizing the power of the United States in global affairs. However, some residents, including Damien Leon, have expressed anxiety and tension due to the increased military activity.
- Mayor Samuel Rivera Baez: “Having them here taking care of us, we feel more than safe.”
- Local resident Damien Leon: “I feel tense, kind of anxious not knowing what is going to happen.”
U.S. Military Assets in the Region
Recent images from the Pentagon depicted a B-52 long-range bomber near the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which is part of a potent display of military might aimed at Venezuela. As of recent reports, the U.S. maintains:
- Four military ships in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the USS Gerald R. Ford and three guided missile destroyers.
- Seven military ships in the Caribbean, comprising two guided missile destroyers, two guided missile cruisers, an amphibious assault ship, and two amphibious transport dock ships.
Additionally, the U.S. has conducted live-fire exercises and has reportedly executed over 20 strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking since early September, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 individuals. These actions are part of the broader efforts to destabilize the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Continued Discussions on Venezuela
Amid these developments, U.S. officials have been briefing President Trump on potential military operations in Venezuela. Key figures involved in these discussions included Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine. These meetings signify an ongoing concern over the situation in Venezuela and the strategic responses being considered by the U.S. government.
