Core Points - The U.S. Navy announced that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has entered the Caribbean Sea, joining the already deployed USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Units to form the "Southern Shield" joint task force [1] Group 1 - The USS Gerald R. Ford is the largest aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy [1] - The formation of the "Southern Shield" joint task force includes multiple military assets, enhancing operational capabilities in the Caribbean region [1]

Core Points - The U.S. military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean, with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group, marking one of the largest military mobilizations in decades [1][2] - Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have escalated, with U.S. President Trump threatening military action against Venezuela, while the Venezuelan government accuses the U.S. of attempting to instigate regime change [1][3] Military Deployment - The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group has arrived in the Caribbean, enhancing U.S. capabilities for detection, monitoring, and combat operations in the region [2] - The strike group includes over 4,000 sailors and various aircraft, such as F/A-18E Super Hornets and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, along with three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers [2] - The total U.S. military presence in the Caribbean has exceeded 15,000 personnel, the largest in decades [2] Regional Reactions - Venezuela has initiated military exercises named "Independence 200 Plan" to bolster its defense capabilities amid rising tensions with the U.S. [4] - Colombian President Petro has ordered a halt to intelligence sharing with U.S. security agencies until the U.S. ceases its attacks on vessels in the Caribbean [6] - The U.S. has conducted numerous attacks on vessels in the Caribbean under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, despite reports indicating that Venezuela is not a major source of drugs entering the U.S. [5]