The U.S. military has built up an unusually large force in the Caribbean Sea and the waters off the coast of Venezuela since this summer, when the Trump administration first began to shift assets to the region as part of its so-called war against narcoterrorism. Here is a look at the ships, planes, and troops in the region:
**Ships**
The Navy has eight warships in the area, including three destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, a cruiser, and a littoral combat ship designed for coastal waters. The amphibious assault ships comprise a readiness group carrying a Marine expeditionary unit, equipped with various helicopters, Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and Harrier jets, capable of transporting troops and striking land and sea targets. While specific numbers remain undisclosed, these vessels are typically armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of striking distant targets.
Additionally, the USS Newport News, a U.S. Navy submarine, operates in South America and can also launch cruise missiles, augmenting the naval capability in the region.
**Planes and Drones**
Recent deployments include advanced U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II jets, which have been stationed at an airstrip in Puerto Rico since mid-September. MQ-9 Reaper drones, known for their long-range and missile capabilities, are reportedly being used in the area, observed via military and commercial satellite footage. The Navy has also been deploying P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, alongside other military aircraft circling through the region for various operations.
For instance, a group of B-52 Stratofortress bombers flew through last week as part of a “bomber attack demo.” The military had recently shared images of an AC-130J Ghostrider, a heavily armed aircraft, also operating from Puerto Rico.
**Troops**
Over 6,000 sailors and Marines are currently active in the region. Though the Pentagon has not disclosed the exact number of aircraft, drones, or ground crew, their contributions to the overall troop strength remain unknown.
**Ships**
The Navy has eight warships in the area, including three destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, a cruiser, and a littoral combat ship designed for coastal waters. The amphibious assault ships comprise a readiness group carrying a Marine expeditionary unit, equipped with various helicopters, Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and Harrier jets, capable of transporting troops and striking land and sea targets. While specific numbers remain undisclosed, these vessels are typically armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of striking distant targets.
Additionally, the USS Newport News, a U.S. Navy submarine, operates in South America and can also launch cruise missiles, augmenting the naval capability in the region.
**Planes and Drones**
Recent deployments include advanced U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II jets, which have been stationed at an airstrip in Puerto Rico since mid-September. MQ-9 Reaper drones, known for their long-range and missile capabilities, are reportedly being used in the area, observed via military and commercial satellite footage. The Navy has also been deploying P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, alongside other military aircraft circling through the region for various operations.
For instance, a group of B-52 Stratofortress bombers flew through last week as part of a “bomber attack demo.” The military had recently shared images of an AC-130J Ghostrider, a heavily armed aircraft, also operating from Puerto Rico.
**Troops**
Over 6,000 sailors and Marines are currently active in the region. Though the Pentagon has not disclosed the exact number of aircraft, drones, or ground crew, their contributions to the overall troop strength remain unknown.
