Analysis & Reports

The USS Washington aircraft carrier has departed from Vietnam to replace the USS Lincoln in the Middle East, which has been facing significant crew mental health and supply issues during its extended deployment. Defense Secretary Hagel has dismissed reports of the Lincoln's poor condition as distorted. The Lincoln has been deployed for over 260 days, raising concerns about the welfare of its crew amid ongoing operations in the region.

USS Thomas Hudner returned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, after over eight months of deployment in the Caribbean and Middle East. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer participated in U.S. combat operations, including the blockade of Venezuela and strikes against Iranian targets during Operation Epic Fury. The ship's crew of 300 sailors completed their mission and returned home this weekend.

On July 20, 2026, the Russian frigate RFN Neustrashimy conducted live gunnery drills in international waters near the UK, while the Royal Navy's HMS Tyne monitored the activity from within 5 nautical miles. This incident is part of increased Russian naval operations in UK waters, with the Royal Navy tracking such activities for 21 days throughout July.

USS Independence (CVA-62) served as a prominent aircraft carrier for the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1998, participating in key military operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. The carrier was involved in enforcing a naval blockade around Cuba and conducted extensive combat sorties against North Vietnamese targets. After modernization in the late 1980s, it continued to support U.S. military efforts in the Gulf during the 1990s before being decommissioned.

Six F-39E Gripen aircraft from the Brazilian Air Force participated in the SALITRE 2026 exercise at Cerro Moreno Air Base in Antofagasta, Chile. The exercise involved over 1,500 military personnel and aircraft from five other countries, focusing on air defence, escort, and patrol missions. The Gripen fighters executed various air operations, employing advanced electronic warfare systems and tactical capabilities.

USS Nimitz is returning to Naval Station Norfolk after completing its final deployment, which included joint maneuvers with partner nations and community engagement activities in Jamaica. The carrier, commissioned in 1975, has played a crucial role in U.S. naval power for over fifty years and is set to retire in March 2027.

U.S. General Francis Donovan held a meeting with senior Cuban military officials at Guantanamo Bay to discuss operational security and perimeter assessments. This rare meeting included discussions on force protection and operational readiness. Both delegations agreed to maintain communication, reflecting mutual interests in security matters.

Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Chief Roberto Legra Sotolongo met with U.S. Southern Command Commander Donovan on May 29 to discuss security issues around Guantanamo Bay. Both sides agreed to maintain communication at the command level. The U.S. has completed military deployments in the Caribbean targeting Cuba, while ongoing dialogue between the two nations has not yielded substantial progress.

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has deployed approximately 1,300 Marines to the Caribbean, replacing the 22nd MEU as part of Operation Southern Spear. Stationed at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico, the unit is tasked with deterring threats and disrupting drug trafficking networks. The deployment includes capabilities for supporting embassies and conducting air support operations.

USS Gerald R. Ford departed the Middle East on May 1, 2023, after completing operations related to Iran. The carrier has been deployed for over ten months and participated in various operations in the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. Navy continues to maintain a presence in the region with 20 vessels, including USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush.

Argentina and the United States are conducting joint military exercises in the South Atlantic, involving multiple naval vessels from both nations. The exercises include maritime search and rescue, defense, and attack drills. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier entered Argentine territorial waters on April 26, 2023, and Argentine President Milei may visit the carrier during the exercises.

Palantir Technologies supports U.S. military operations by providing AI systems that enhance target selection and operational planning. The technology has been utilized in military actions against Iran and Venezuela, allowing for rapid identification of targets and resource allocation. Additionally, the UK has contracted Palantir for defense applications, and the company is involved in developing missile defense systems.

The French Navy fleet is conducting joint military training exercises with the Brazilian Navy at Marambaia Sandbank in Rio de Janeiro on April 27-28, 2023. Over 1400 personnel are involved, with 800 from France and 600 from Brazil. The exercises aim to enhance joint operational capabilities and include various naval assets such as the Dixmude amphibious assault ship and multiple helicopters.

President Boluarte of Peru announced the postponement of F-16 fighter jet procurement from the U.S. on February 22, 2023, citing financial burdens. This decision led to the resignation of the Defense and Foreign Ministers and sparked political tensions, including a potential vote of no confidence against the president. The country is also facing a chaotic presidential election process with delayed vote counting.

Chad is deploying 1500 troops to Haiti to combat gang violence as part of a UN-established task force. This deployment includes a vanguard of 400 soldiers already on the ground. The gangs in Haiti have been responsible for numerous violent crimes, prompting this military intervention.

U.S. Southern Command announced the establishment of a new Autonomous Warfare Command aimed at integrating unmanned systems into tactical missions. This command will operate within the Caribbean, South America, and Central America, focusing on countering threats and collaborating with regional partners. The initiative supports national security objectives and enhances operational capabilities in diverse environments.

U.S. Southern Command announced the establishment of the Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC) to enhance operational capabilities with unmanned systems. The command will focus on countering threats across various domains and will collaborate with regional allies to address narcoterrorism and respond to national disasters. The announcement did not specify when SAWC will become fully operational.

Swedish and German submarines repeatedly penetrated U.S. Navy carrier defenses during exercises, achieving simulated kills. The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford are currently deployed in operations against Iran, highlighting the ongoing relevance of aircraft carriers despite emerging threats. The Gotland incident in 2005 underscored vulnerabilities in U.S. anti-submarine warfare capabilities, prompting a reevaluation of tactics.

Lhasa and Shijiazhuang destroyers of the Chinese Navy conducted joint training exercises at sea, focusing on damage control and anti-submarine warfare. The exercises included a simulated fire emergency response and the deployment of helicopters for underwater threat detection. Personnel demonstrated effective coordination and operational readiness during these drills.

NATO is enhancing its communications strategy to ensure resilience and interoperability across its forces, particularly on the Eastern Flank. The strategy incorporates private 5G networks within a hybrid communications ecosystem, addressing challenges posed by uneven infrastructure and electromagnetic warfare. This approach aims to maintain command and control continuity as forces operate across diverse environments and technologies.