U.S. Deploys USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to Caribbean for Anti-Drug Operations

October 25, 2025 - The U.S. Department of War announced on October 24, 2025, the deployment of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Southern Command area, encompassing Central and South America and the Caribbean, to enhance efforts against narcotics trafficking and narco-terrorism. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth redirected the group from the Mediterranean Sea to join eight existing U.S. ships in the region.

The deployment aims to detect, monitor, and disrupt transnational criminal organizations involved in illicit activities threatening U.S. security and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy's largest and most advanced nuclear-powered carrier, leads Carrier Strike Group 12, including a carrier air wing, guided-missile cruiser, and destroyers.

This escalation supports President Trump's initiative to dismantle drug cartels, following 10 military strikes on suspected smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea since September 2, 2025. The strikes, based on intelligence identifying cartel members, have killed 43 individuals, including six in the latest action against a Tren de Aragua-operated vessel, and resulted in two captures. Eight strikes targeted boats near Venezuela's coast.

President Trump stated on October 23, 2025, that operations could expand to land targets, emphasizing U.S. preparedness to eliminate drug traffickers. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the actions as attacks on civilians, accusing the U.S. of fabricating a war to oust him.

Some lawmakers, including Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), have called for congressional oversight, with a failed measure led by Paul, Schiff, and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to halt the strikes. President Trump asserted no declaration of war is needed and plans to inform Congress on potential land operations.