Retired Colonel Eric Rojo, a political analyst with the United States Army, recently indicated that former President Donald Trump's strategy might involve exerting considerable pressure on Cuba to initiate negotiations and encourage regime change. This comes after the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier returned to its home base in Norfolk, Virginia, following an extensive deployment of nearly 11 months.
The nuclear-powered vessel, accompanied by the USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan destroyers, concluded a 326-day mission at sea, marking the longest deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War era.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth attended the homecoming ceremony and shared his sentiments on social media, stating, "To the warriors of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group — WELCOME HOME."
In a conversation on NTN24's "La Tarde," Rojo dismissed the possibility of a U.S. invasion of Cuba. However, he emphasized the military pressure that Washington is applying to the Cuban regime: "I don't foresee an invasion scenario, but I do believe a significant shadow will be cast."
Regarding the potential deployment of the Ford near Cuban waters, Rojo noted that the carrier could be redeployed swiftly: "If necessary, it can be reactivated quickly. The key thing President Trump is doing, in my opinion, is casting a significant shadow over Cuba to push for negotiations and eventually achieve a regime change, allowing Cuban citizens to experience true freedom."
When asked about the time it would take for the Ford to reach Cuba from Norfolk, Rojo stated, "Once the crew is ready, the journey from Norfolk to Cuba would take less than a week."
Rojo's insights come amid heightened pressure from the Trump administration on the Cuban regime. Trump had previously threatened to position the USS Abraham Lincoln "100 yards" from the Cuban coast to compel the dictatorship's surrender, contingent on completing operations in Iran first.
Trump himself left no room for doubt, declaring, "After returning from Iran, we'll bring one of our great aircraft carriers, perhaps the USS Abraham Lincoln, to stop 100 yards away so they can say, 'Thank you, we surrender in Cuba.'"
CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Havana on May 14, where he met with Cuban Interior Ministry officials, was interpreted by analysts as a diplomatic ultimatum, signaling potential dialogue only if Cuba implements significant changes.
Rojo also pointed out that the Cuban regime is well aware of the consequences of not negotiating: "The Cuban regime knows what could happen if no agreement is reached, as we have seen with Maduro."
The Ford, renowned as the most advanced aircraft carrier globally, boasts a length of 335 meters, accommodating over 4,500 sailors and more than 70 aircraft. During its deployment, it operated in the Mediterranean with NATO, exerted pressure in the Caribbean over Venezuela, and was active in the Middle East against Iran.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly preparing a federal criminal charge against 94-year-old Raúl Castro for the shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, with a possible formal announcement on May 20 at Miami's Freedom Tower.
Strategic Implications of USS Gerald Ford's Potential Deployment Near Cuba
What strategy did Donald Trump employ regarding Cuba?
Trump's approach was to exert considerable military pressure on Cuba to force negotiations and encourage regime change, using the potential deployment of aircraft carriers as leverage.
How quickly could the USS Gerald Ford be redeployed near Cuba?
According to Colonel Rojo, the Ford could be redeployed swiftly, taking less than a week to reach Cuba once the crew is prepared.
What are the potential consequences for the Cuban regime if no negotiation is reached?
Rojo suggests that the Cuban regime is aware of the potential consequences, as evidenced by past events involving other regimes, such as Maduro's.
What significant events occurred during the USS Gerald Ford's deployment?
During its deployment, the Ford engaged in operations in the Mediterranean with NATO, enforced pressure in the Caribbean over Venezuela, and participated in actions in the Middle East against Iran.