The USS San Antonio (LPD-17), an amphibious transport dock ship of the United States Navy, docked at La Guaira Port this Thursday to bolster humanitarian aid efforts following the catastrophic earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026.
According to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the American forces stationed at the port are operating a communications and distribution hub to deliver emergency assistance to the hardest-hit areas by the quakes.
"U.S. forces at the port are managing a communications and distribution node to deliver life-saving assistance to the most impacted zones," stated SOUTHCOM in a press release.
Adding to the logistical capabilities, journalist Andrews Abreu captured footage of a U.S. Marine Corps LCAC hovercraft operating in La Guaira port as part of the mission.
The arrival of the USS San Antonio marks the second amphibious ship to reach La Guaira. Previously, the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) had docked at the port, serving as a logistical center for storing and distributing food, water, and medical supplies.
The amphibious group also includes the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), which can deploy up to three LCAC hovercrafts.
Overall, the operation involves more than 4,500 sailors, including approximately 2,200 Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. Prior to this, six C-17 Globemaster aircraft transported a Combat Logistics Company equipped with heavy machinery and water purification capabilities from North Carolina.
Directed by SOUTHCOM and supporting operations led by the State Department, the deployment follows a formal request from the Venezuelan government.
The earthquakes on June 24, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, represent the most significant seismic disaster in Venezuela in over a century. By July 7, official reports indicated 3,685 fatalities and 16,740 injuries, with over 17,300 people displaced and 190 buildings completely destroyed.
The U.S. response has progressively escalated since day one. President Trump initially authorized $150 million on June 25, a figure that increased to over $300 million by July 1.
As of July 8, the State Department reported that total U.S. assistance exceeded $386 million, aiding approximately 70,000 people with over 400 metric tons of supplies delivered.
According to Infobae, the total accumulated international aid reached $780 million by the end of this Thursday, with the operation transitioning from the search and rescue phase to humanitarian aid and recovery.
FAQs on U.S. Humanitarian Aid to Venezuela
What is the role of the USS San Antonio in the aid effort?
The USS San Antonio serves as an amphibious transport dock ship, providing logistical support and a platform for distributing emergency aid in Venezuela.
How much aid has the United States provided to Venezuela so far?
As of July 8, the United States has provided over $386 million in assistance, benefiting around 70,000 people with over 400 metric tons of supplies.
What was the impact of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes on June 24 were the largest in over a century for Venezuela, resulting in 3,685 deaths, 16,740 injuries, and over 17,300 individuals displaced.