In a strategic move, the Pentagon is deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, along with its accompanying air wing, to the Caribbean. This decision aligns with the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking in the region.

On Friday, Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has redirected the Navy’s state-of-the-art aircraft carrier from the Mediterranean to the U.S. Southern Command’s jurisdiction. This redeployment aims to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) and counter narco-terrorism, ultimately safeguarding the U.S. homeland.

Parnell emphasized that the presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford will significantly enhance the U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit activities that threaten national security and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere. “These forces will enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle TCOs,” he elaborated.

This directive follows a series of strikes by the Trump administration on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea, near Venezuela, and in the Eastern Pacific. These operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 43 individuals, labeled by officials as “narco-terrorists.”

Hegseth’s order comes as the Trump administration has been striking alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela and in the Eastern Pacific, killing at least 43 people, which officials have said are “narco-terrorists.” 

On Thursday, two B-1 Lancer bombers departed from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas and flew near the coast of Venezuela, according to flight tracking data. Trump called the news reports about the presence of B-1 bombers “false,” but added that “we’re not happy with Venezuela for a lot of reasons. Drugs being one of them.”

The latest strike, which Hegseth disclosed Friday morning, hit an alleged vessel affiliated with Tren de Aragua and killed all six individuals on board. No U.S. service members were injured in the operation, according to officials.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, which is based out of Norfolk, Va., and the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 12, was in Croatia earlier this week. 

The strikes against boats are part of the Trump administration’s effort to ramp up pressure against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom U.S. officials say is an “illegitimate” leader.”

Maduro pleaded against a “crazy war” as the tensions between Caracas and Washington escalate. 

“Yes peace, yes peace forever, peace forever. No crazy war, please,” Maduro said Thursday in English. 

The administration has ramped up its military presence in the Caribbean, sending warships, at least one nuclear-powered submarine and having around 10,000 U.S. forces supporting counternarcotics operations. Trump confirmed earlier this month that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. 

The USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, will be in Trinidad and Tobago from Oct. 26 to 30, and will dock in Port of Spain, the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs said on Thursday. 

During the same period, the 22nd U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit will perform joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force. 

“The visit strengthens U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago military-to-military cooperation through expert exchanges focused on core infantry tactics, maintenance procedures, and advanced medical capabilities, leveraging the TTDF’s facilities to enhance tactical proficiency and enhance mutual trust,” the ministry said in a statement.