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On Truth Social, Trump shared an image depicting the Venezuelan leader in a gray tracksuit, equipped with protective headphones and a blindfold, while on a ship.
WASHINGTON — Following escalating military tension with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump initiated a daring mission to seize the South American leader. The plan was to bring Maduro to the United States, where he would stand trial under the Trump administration’s legal proceedings.
Trump announced that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been transported via helicopter to a U.S. naval vessel, with New York as their next destination for facing legal charges. On Truth Social, he shared an image of Maduro wearing a gray sweatsuit and protective gear, captioned: “Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima.”
For those curious about the vessel transporting Maduro and Flores to New York, it is the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), described by the Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic as an “amphibious assault ship.”
What is the USS Iwo Jima?
The USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) is an “amphibious assault ship,” according to the Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic.
It is part of the “Wasp-class” Landing Helicopter Dock with the ability of ship-to-shore movement by helicopter in addition to movement by landing craft. They are the largest amphibious ships in the world, according to the U.S. Navy.
These types of ships have been used in “major humanitarian-assistance, occupation and combat operations in which the United States has been involved,” according to the U.S. Navy.
These type of ship were used in Afghanistan and Iraq operations.
It’s motto is “Uncommon Valor,” after Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz’s quote speaking of the Marines who fought at its namesake battle.
“Among the Americans who fought at Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
Why is it names Iwo Jima?
The battle of Iwo Jima is considered to be one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history, according to The National WWII Museum.
It was a battle that happened Feb. 19, 1945 at Iwo Jima, a strategic air base located between the Mariana Islands and Japan during World War II.
The battle created one of the most iconic wartime images in history.
When has USS Iwo Jima been used?
USS Iwo Jima was used for initial disaster relief after Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 and Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The crew assigned to the ship were awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal in 2018 for this work.
It also operated as a central command and control hub after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Navy said thousands of police, fire and rescue personnel were hosted onboard during recovery operations while it was stationed off the shore of New Orleans.
The ship has also provided support off the coast of Yemen and run exercises in Norway.
It was moved to Naval Station Norfolk in 2021 as a part of the Navy’s plan to consolidate the East Coast-based amphibious ships to the area.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
