The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, under the command of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), has officially entered the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR) on November 11. This strategic deployment follows directives from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, aimed at enhancing efforts to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations and counter narco-terrorism to protect the homeland.
Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized the significance of this enhanced military presence, stating, “The enhanced U.S. force presence in the USSOUTHCOM AOR will bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States homeland and our security in the Western Hemisphere.” He further noted that these forces will improve existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade Transnational Criminal Organizations.
With a robust crew of over 4,000 Sailors and numerous tactical aircraft, the USS Gerald R. Ford significantly enhances the operational capacity of U.S. combatant commanders and civilian leaders. This first-in-class carrier is equipped to launch and recover fixed-wing aircraft around the clock, providing critical support for various tasked operations at sea.
The carrier strike group will work in conjunction with joint forces already stationed in the area, such as the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit. This collaboration is structured under a Joint Task Force established to eliminate criminal networks exploiting borders and maritime domains.
Adm. Alvin Holsey, Commander of SOUTHCOM, stated, “Through unwavering commitment and the precise use of our forces, we stand ready to combat the transnational threats that seek to destabilize our region.” He reiterated that the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is a vital step in reinforcing U.S. resolve to protect the security of the Western Hemisphere and ensure the safety of the American homeland.
The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is equipped with formidable warfighting assets, including nine embarked squadrons from Carrier Air Wing Eight and Destroyer Squadron Two. Notable vessels include the USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and the USS Mahan (DDG 72), alongside the integrated air and missile defense command ship USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81).
The embarked squadrons feature a range of aircraft such as the F/A-18E Super Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet, E/A-18G Growler, and the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. Additionally, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 operates the MH-60S Seahawk, while Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 utilizes the MH-60R Seahawk.
The U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility spans 31 countries and 12 dependencies, covering a significant portion of the world’s landmass assigned to regional unified commands. This area includes the land mass of Latin America south of Mexico, the adjacent waters, and the Caribbean Sea. U.S. military forces are actively deployed in this region to support the mission of USSOUTHCOM and the broader objectives set forth by the Department of War.
For further inquiries regarding the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, please reach out to CUSNS-C4F_PAO@us.navy.mil.
