Analysis & Reports

USS Gerald R. Ford is being deployed to the Middle East to support USS Abraham Lincoln, which is currently in the Arabian Sea. This deployment follows eight months at sea and raises concerns about crew readiness due to high operational tempo. The USS Ford has traveled between 10,000 to 11,000 nautical miles during its deployment, highlighting the strain on naval resources.

On February 16, U.S. Southern Command conducted airstrikes against three drug trafficking boats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of 11 male traffickers. No U.S. personnel were injured during the operation, which is part of a series of actions against drug trafficking that began in September 2022. The U.S. government has not released evidence to substantiate the drug trafficking claims.

The Joint Integrated Fire Center (JIFC) coordinated cyber operations during the operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. CYBERCOM successfully disrupted air defense systems and communications in Venezuela, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated cyber capabilities. This operation highlighted the critical role of cyber and space operations in modern military engagements.

USS Gerald R. Ford is extending its deployment to the Middle East, potentially exceeding 300 days at sea, which would break the previous record for aircraft carrier deployments. This decision comes amid rising tensions with Iran and highlights the operational demands on the U.S. Navy. Chief of Naval Operations has raised concerns about the impact of such long deployments on sailor morale and maintenance schedules.

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is undergoing major maintenance and repairs, which are expected to sideline the ship until February 2028. The U.S. Navy has awarded a contract to BAE Systems for repairs worth between $204.1 million and $255.8 million. While currently operating in the Caribbean, the ship's readiness may be impacted by rising tensions with Iran, potentially delaying its maintenance schedule.

The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are strategically impressive but misaligned with the immediate operational needs in the North Atlantic. As of 2025, the Royal Navy faces challenges with limited destroyer availability and a constrained F-35 inventory, impacting the effectiveness of carrier operations. The focus should shift towards enhancing sea control and undersea defense capabilities to address the UK's maritime security challenges.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deployment of a carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales to the North Atlantic and Arctic regions in 2023. This action aims to deter Russia and protect critical underwater infrastructure, as the UK faces an increased threat from Russian naval activity. The deployment includes Royal Navy warships, F-35 aircraft, and helicopters, demonstrating the UK's commitment to European and Atlantic security.

China has modernized its military capabilities to counter U.S. aircraft carriers, focusing on anti-ship ballistic missiles and enhanced surveillance systems. This modernization aims to compel U.S. carriers to operate at greater distances from conflict zones, thereby reducing their operational effectiveness. The People's Liberation Army has learned from past crises, particularly the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, and has institutionalized these lessons in its military planning.

China is enhancing its military capabilities, focusing on advanced anti-ship missiles and expanding its submarine fleet to counter U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific. The People’s Liberation Army Navy is developing systems like the DF-21D and DF-26B missiles, which pose a significant threat to U.S. naval forces. As of November 28, 2023, China operates approximately 50 submarines, with plans to increase this number to 65 by 2030.

The French Navy's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is actively conducting operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and Pacific, showcasing interoperability with U.S. Navy forces. This nuclear-powered carrier, weighing 42,000 tons, is equipped with advanced aircraft including Rafale M fighters and various missile systems. Its recent deployments highlight France's commitment to maintaining naval presence and cooperation with allied forces.

The U.S. Navy is implementing a new strategy to enhance flexibility in deployments by utilizing smaller, advanced vessels instead of large aircraft carriers. This shift, articulated by Admiral Daryl Caudle, aims to address operational challenges in regions like the Caribbean and Venezuela. The Navy has recently deployed 11 ships in South America, marking a significant change from previous practices. Caudle advocates for tailored deployment solutions and increased reliance on drones and robotic systems for mission effectiveness.

The U.S. is deploying the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Gulf within three weeks as part of preparations for extended military operations against Iran. This deployment will complement the existing Abraham Lincoln carrier in the region, enhancing U.S. military capabilities. U.S. officials indicate that the operations will target Iranian state and security facilities, anticipating a significant response from Iran.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Feb 15 2026Loading...

The USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23), a modified Seawolf-class submarine, is actively conducting covert missions in the Pacific Ocean. Commissioned in 2005, it features advanced capabilities for intelligence gathering and special operations, including a unique multi-mission platform. The submarine recently completed major maintenance and modernization, enhancing its operational effectiveness.

A U.S. Marine Corps sergeant fell from the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea on February 7 and was later declared dead after a search operation. On February 11, two U.S. Navy vessels collided during a refueling operation, injuring two sailors. These incidents are part of a larger U.S. military deployment in the region to support anti-drug operations.

On February 13, U.S. Southern Command conducted a lethal strike against a drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of three drug traffickers. This operation is part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking in the region, which has seen multiple strikes since September 2022. No U.S. personnel were injured during the operation.

U.S. Coast Guard forces boarded and seized the oil tanker Skipper in international waters near Venezuela on December 10, detaining approximately 30 sailors. The operation was prompted by the vessel's misreporting of geolocation data and its status as a U.S.-sanctioned ship. China condemned the seizure as unlawful, claiming it violated international law.

U.S. personnel were wounded during a raid to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. The operation, named Absolute Resolve, involved over 200 forces and 150 aircraft. President Trump confirmed that helicopter pilots sustained injuries from enemy fire, but threats were neutralized by snipers. One soldier involved in the operation is set to receive the Medal of Honor.

U.S. Air Force helicopters executed a rescue mission 400 miles off the coast of Mexico on February 5, 2026, involving the stabilization of a crewman from the Maran Gas Olympias. The operation required coordination among multiple squadrons and included mid-flight refueling. Following the mission, the crews landed in Cabo San Lucas for the night before returning to Arizona.

On June 12, 1944, soldiers at Camp Forest in Tennessee exchanged letters with loved ones, providing emotional support during World War II. Joseph Brenner, part of the U.S. Army’s 740th Field Artillery Battery, received letters from his wife, Norma, which included a kiss mark. The Veterans History Project highlights the importance of these letters in maintaining morale among troops, with many soldiers, including Pfc. Sumner Grant and Ralph Samuel Jaffe, sharing their experiences through correspondence.

The U.S. Navy has deployed a large fleet in the Persian Gulf and a small fleet near Cuba and Venezuela as part of its strategy to address rising international tensions. Admiral Darryl Caudle highlighted the ongoing strategic importance of aircraft carriers and the Navy's commitment to countering illegal activities in the Caribbean. Additionally, the Navy is enhancing its capabilities through technological advancements and plans to strengthen its presence in the Arctic region.