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U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford conducts Caribbean flight ops amid Venezuela tensions

Pictures released by the U.S. Department of War show the U.S. Navy USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier conducting flight operations in the Caribbean Sea, a pace U.S. officials describe as part of an expanded readiness posture under U.S. Southern Command. While the Pentagon did not detail the full scope of the mission, officials familiar with regional operations say the increased tempo reflects a broader effort to counter trafficking networks that operate through key shipping corridors. Ford’s presence, amid tensions with Venezuela, also serves as a visible reminder that Washington is leaning more heavily on naval aviation to reinforce stability in the southern approaches. Read full Naval News at this link ...
An F/A-18E Super Hornet touches down on the flight deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the world’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, during operations on November 17, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War)

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