The U.S. Southern Command announced on June 20 via X (formerly Twitter) that the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group has been positioned in the Caribbean. This deployment includes the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, the destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101), and the supply ship USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201).
Southern Command emphasized that the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group represents "readiness, presence, unmatched operational range and lethality, and a strategic advantage," stating that the USS Nimitz has demonstrated combat capabilities worldwide, contributing to regional stability and the defense of democracy from the Taiwan Strait to the Arabian Gulf.
Commissioned in 1975, the USS Nimitz is the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. Originally slated for retirement this year due to aging, its decommissioning has been postponed due to increased operational demands following the Iran conflict.
This carrier deployment was announced on the same day that the U.S. government indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro, a key figure in the Cuban Revolution.
The U.S. Department of Justice charged Castro with involvement in the 1996 incident where two aircraft operated by the Miami-based Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue were shot down by the Cuban military, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.
Earlier this year, the U.S. also captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on charges related to drug terrorism, deploying a carrier group to the Caribbean at that time as well.
The timing of the current carrier deployment coincides with reports that President Trump is seriously considering military intervention in Cuba. Politico reported on June 18 that Trump believes energy supply chain disruptions and economic sanctions alone will not lead to a change in Cuba's regime, prompting him to explore military options.
U.S. military leadership is reportedly reviewing various military scenarios beyond just capture and extradition operations.
Since taking office, President Trump has labeled Cuba a failed communist state, applying pressure through sanctions and energy supply chain disruptions. He has also indicated that Cuba could be a target for military action following the conflict in Iran.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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