US Sends Aircraft Carrier to Latin America

Military Operations & Surveillance - U S military possesses precise intelligence on drug smuggling boats due to established maritime surveillance capabilities, tracking their movements and cargo [2][3] - The U S employs various resources, including drones, satellites, and patrol aircraft, for maritime surveillance, ensuring confidence in striking drug boats [4] - Technology initially developed for tracking Soviets, Russians, and Chinese is now utilized for monitoring maritime activities [3] - The U S military carefully considers weapons parameters to avoid collateral damage during targeted attacks [6] Power Projection & Deterrence - B-1 bombers possess excellent overwater reconnaissance capabilities for finding and targeting ships [8] - B-52 bombers were reportedly flying near Venezuela, potentially as a projection of power [7][9] - The U S is sending the Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group to the U S Southern Command Area of Responsibility to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and counter narco-terrorism [17][18] - Deployment of the aircraft carrier Ford to the Caribbean serves as a projection of force and enhances overwater surveillance capabilities [19][20] Geopolitical Tensions & Missile Capabilities - Russia is concerned about potential Tomahawk cruise missile deployment to Ukraine, which could reach 60 Russian airbases [12][13] - Ukraine has successfully used drone attacks against Russian bombers, warplanes, and energy infrastructure [14] - The U S has a sufficient supply of Tomahawk missiles and is developing new hypersonic missiles [15] - Maduro claims Venezuela possesses 5000 surface-to-air missiles [16]