US deploys USS Nimitz-led strike group to Caribbean waters VIDEO

The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier strike group centred on the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) to the Caribbean, in a show of naval presence that underscores Washington’s regional security posture, according to the US military’s Southern Command.

The strike group includes the embarked air wing Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17), the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG-101), and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO-201), Caliber.Az reports.

In a post on X, US Southern Command described the deployment as a demonstration of “readiness and presence”, highlighting what it called “unmatched reach and lethality” and “strategic advantage”.

Welcome to the Caribbean, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group!

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17), USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) are the epitome of readiness and presence, unmatched reach and lethality, and strategic… pic.twitter.com/83mfzSIKzd

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) May 20, 2026

The USS Nimitz, one of the US Navy’s long-serving nuclear-powered carriers, has previously operated across multiple theatres, including the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East. 

SOUTHCOM said the vessel has demonstrated combat capability globally, citing missions spanning from the Taiwan Strait to the Arabian Gulf.

By Aghakazim Guliyev