In the wake of the USS Gerald R. Ford's recent departure from the Caribbean to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, the United States has reinforced its military presence in the region, as confirmed by the Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) this past Friday.
Through a statement shared on social media platform X, SOUTHCOM reiterated its "commitment to regional security and stability," emphasizing that elite forces from the Joint Task Force Southern Spear, including the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, remain active in the Caribbean. Their operations are part of advancing the National Defense Strategy by dismantling criminal networks, combatting narcoterrorism, and deterring hostile actors.
This announcement highlights that despite the Ford—regarded as the most advanced and lethal aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy—leaving the region, Washington has not eased its military pressure in the hemisphere. Instead, operations continue robustly under Operation Southern Spear, a campaign initiated in September 2025 targeting organizations the U.S. identifies as transnational narcoterrorists.
The USS Gerald R. Ford entered SOUTHCOM's area of responsibility in November 2025, marking an unprecedented show of force in the Caribbean in decades, amid the Venezuelan crisis and increased maritime anti-drug operations.
Its presence was bolstered by additional amphibious assault ships and support units, culminating in the most substantial U.S. naval deployment in the area in recent years.
However, in February 2026, the Pentagon redirected the Ford to the Middle East, reshuffling global strategic priorities. Nevertheless, the operational structure in the Caribbean remains robust.
Key assets include the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), led by the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) and supported by the USS San Antonio (LPD-17) and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28).
This "blue-green" force—a joint force consisting of the Navy (blue) and Marine Corps (green)—comprises over 4,500 sailors and marines, along with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC), ready to execute rapid response operations, maritime interdictions, evacuations, and amphibious assaults.
"The SOUTHCOM area of responsibility continues to support Operation Southern Spear, Department of Defense-led operations, and the President's priority of homeland protection," SOUTHCOM added in its update, tagging the Navy, Marine Corps, and other operational units.
Since the campaign's inception, the U.S. has conducted numerous strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Authorities aim to disrupt key maritime routes exploited by criminal networks, many linked to regimes and actors considered antagonistic by Washington.
While the Ford's withdrawal might suggest reduced tensions, SOUTHCOM's message indicates otherwise: the military strategy in the Caribbean remains firmly in place, ensuring constant surveillance over one of the hemisphere's most sensitive maritime regions.
Understanding U.S. Military Strategy in the Caribbean
Why did the USS Gerald R. Ford leave the Caribbean?
The USS Gerald R. Ford was redeployed to the Middle East to address rising tensions with Iran, following strategic realignment by the Pentagon.
What is the purpose of Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear aims to dismantle transnational narcoterrorist organizations and disrupt criminal networks in the Caribbean, as part of the U.S. National Defense Strategy.
What forces are involved in the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group?
The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group includes the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale, along with over 4,500 sailors and marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.