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.
Welcome to the Caribbean, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group!
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the 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… pic.twitter.com/83mfzSIKzd
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) May 20, 2026
The latest deployment occurs against a backdrop of heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions. The announcement coincided with Cuba’s Independence Day and followed the U.S. Department of Justice’s filing of federal criminal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro.
Charges relate to the 1996 downing of two Brothers to the Rescue civilian aircraft over international waters, which killed four people. President Donald Trump addressed the matter, stating it was “a very big moment for people, not only Cuban Americans, but people who came from Cuba, that want to go back to Cuba, see their family in Cuba.” He added that the administration has Cuba “on our mind.”
Earlier this month, Trump referenced potential military options in remarks about Cuba, stating the U.S. could “take control of Cuba almost immediately.” In one instance, he suggested redirecting an aircraft carrier such as the USS Abraham Lincoln on its return from operations related to Iran.
“We’ll have that come in. Stop about 100 yards offshore. And they’ll say thank you very much, we surrender,” the president quipped.
