USS Gerald R. Ford Makes First Caribbean Port Call Amid Rising Regional Tensions
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, made its first Caribbean port of call this morning as it arrived in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The brief visit marks a period of rest and recuperation for the crew as the carrier continues operations in a region experiencing heightened geopolitical tension.
Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, emphasized that the stopover is essential for maintaining the crew’s readiness as the strike group remains engaged with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). “The team has made its SOUTHCOM posting its number one priority in defense of the U.S. homeland,” Lanzilotta said, underscoring the strategic importance of their mission in the Caribbean and surrounding waters.
The deployment coincides with increased focus on Southern Spear, a growing
