The aircraft carrier Gerardo Fordthe largest and most modern of the US fleet, and its escort group have already entered the area of responsibility of the Southern Command, assigned to the Caribbean and Latin America, to strengthen the campaign of military attacks against drug trafficking, as confirmed by the US Navy.
“Expanding the presence of U.S. forces in the Southern Command area will strengthen the United States’ ability to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit activities and actors that endanger the security and prosperity of the American homeland and our security in the Western Hemisphere,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. “These forces will augment and enhance existing capabilities to disrupt drug trafficking and harm and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.”
The arrival of the Ford in the Caribbean strengthens the US military flotilla that was already in the international waters of that sea bordering Venezuelan territorial waters. Over the past two months, the United States has launched a military campaign of extrajudicial attacks there, and in Pacific waters, against ships it accuses of carrying drugs and being operated by drug cartels. At least 76 people were killed in the 19 attacks announced by the US administration.
After incorporation of the aircraft carrier, the United States maintains 20% of its active mission ships deployed in the Southern Command area of responsibility, Latin America, according to an analysis by the trade magazine Stars and Stripes.
The Ford received the order on 24 October to leave its position in the Mediterranean to go to the area under the responsibility of the Southern Command.
With a force of about 5,000 military personnel and dozens of tactical aircraft on board, Ford is the first aircraft carrier to have, among other innovations, a catapult system for launching and receiving warplanes.
“Through sustained engagement and precise use of our forces, we stand ready to combat transnational threats that seek to destabilize our region,” said Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of Southern Command. Holsey was appointed a year ago, replacing Gen. Laura Richardson, but will leave his position this December at her request for reasons that were not disclosed. “The deployment of the Ford and its escort group represents a critical step in strengthening our resolve to protect the security of the Western Hemisphere and the security of the American homeland,” the high command added.
