U.S. Deploys Carrier Group To Caribbean Amid Cuba Tensions
Published 11 hours ago
on May 20, 2026
By Cullen McCue
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced the arrival of the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in the Caribbean Sea this week as part of the pre-planned Southern Seas 2026 deployment. This deployment comes amid heightened U.S. tensions with Cuba and suggestions of possible military action from President Donald Trump.
The strike group includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) with F/A-18E Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and C-2A Greyhounds, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101), and the Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201), according to a Pentagon readout.
“Welcome to the Caribbean, Nimitz Strike Group! The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17), USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) are the epitome of readiness and presence, unmatched reach and lethality, and strategic advantage,” SOUTHCOM announced in a press release. Officials further noted that the USS Nimitz has “proven its combat prowess across the globe, ensuring stability and defending democracy from the Taiwan Strait to the Arabian Gulf.”
The deployment forms part of Southern Seas 2026, the 11th iteration of the exercise since 2007. It involves maritime engagements, passing exercises, and operations at sea with partner nations including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay.
The Nimitz, commissioned in 1975 and on what is expected to be one of its final operational cruises before decommissioning (with service extended to March 2027), recently conducted joint naval exercises with the Brazilian Navy off Rio de Janeiro.
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