US Carrier Strike Group Heads Toward Latin America: What to Know

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group will bring its firepower to the region, amid a growing campaign of lethal U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats.
US Carrier Strike Group Heads Toward Latin America: What to Know
An MH-60S Sea Hawk flies by USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in the North Sea, on Sept. 24, 2025. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gladjimi Balisage
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The Pentagon, on Oct. 24, announced it has ordered the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to sail for Latin America, to assist in efforts to halt drug trafficking in the region.

“In support of the President’s directive to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) and counter narco-terrorism in defense of the Homeland, the Secretary of War has directed the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and embarked carrier air wing to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR),” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Friday.