The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Nimitz, along with its escort warships, entered the southern Caribbean Sea on Wednesday. This move is part of the Trump administration’s effort to pressure the Cuban government, as confirmed by the military’s Southern Command and a U.S. official.
The administration plans to use the Nimitz not for major military operations, but as a demonstration of strength. This contrasts with previous operations, such as the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford’s involvement in the commando raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, according to a U.S. official who requested anonymity for discussing operational details.
In recent weeks, the Nimitz has been on a scheduled training deployment, conducting exercises with the Brazilian navy along the South American coast. The timing of its arrival in the Caribbean coincided with charges announced by the Justice Department against Raul Castro, Cuba’s former president, who is 94 years old.
Southern Command posted on social media, “Welcome to the Caribbean, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group! U.S.S. Nimitz has proven its combat prowess across the globe, ensuring stability and defending democracy from the Taiwan Strait to the Arabian Gulf.”
Following the Maduro raid, much of the Pentagon’s firepower in the Caribbean was redirected to bolster American forces in the Iran War. However, the amphibious assault ship Tripoli remains stationed in the region, according to the Navy.
Eric Schmitt, a national security correspondent for The Times, has over 30 years of experience reporting on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism. He can be contacted securely via Signal: ericschmitt.36.
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