Donald Trump has initiated a new phase in his significant escalation of the US anti-drug campaign. The USS Gerald R Ford, recognized as the largest warship globally, has been deployed to the Caribbean Sea by the US, where it has intercepted multiple vessels allegedly linked to illicit drug activities. Trump has accused Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro of heading drug-trafficking syndicates, a claim Maduro vehemently denies. In response, Maduro has accused the US of manufacturing a fictitious conflict, sparking concerns in Venezuela about potential US military intervention against Trump’s adversaries.
The relationship between the two countries has reached a critical point, with the US refusing to acknowledge Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader following the disputed 2024 Presidential election. Maduro criticized the US, asserting that they are creating a war despite previous promises to avoid such engagements.
The deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, with its impressive capabilities, could shift the dynamics of US-Venezuelan tensions. Trump hinted at potential ground operations, stating that the US navy has strong control over the sea. Recently, the Pentagon announced the deployment of the massive warship to the US Southern Command region, encompassing the Caribbean, South, and Central America.
The USS Gerald R Ford, boasting a length of 334 meters, width of 78 meters, and a massive displacement of 100,000 tonnes, stands as the largest operational warship ever built. In addition to its size, the vessel is equipped with advanced technologies, including two nuclear reactors for enhanced power compared to other naval vessels.
The warship’s capabilities include the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), enabling the launch of heavier aircraft with more fuel and weaponry. It is armed with various missiles, with combat ranges of up to 2,000 km, and can accommodate cargo, passenger, and electronic warfare aircraft, along with helicopters. Despite its size and equipment, the USS Gerald R Ford can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour on water.
Although the carrier lacks the latest F-35C fighter jets, it operates with a carrier strike group for defensive purposes, consisting of a cruiser, a supply ship, and at least two destroyers. The construction of this extraordinary warship cost a staggering $13.3 billion, making it the most expensive war vessel globally. Commissioned in 2017, the USS Gerald R Ford embarked on its first deployment in 2022.
