The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz will conduct military exercises this year with the navies of 10 different countries, including Mexico, as part of its deployment to the seas of North, Central, and South America.
The USS Nimitz and its strike group will conduct exercises with the naval forces of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay, according to U.S. Southern Command.
The ships will circumnavigate the Americas as part of their Southern Seas 2026 deployment and will make port calls in Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica.
“The Southern Seas 2026 deployment offers a unique opportunity to enhance interoperability and increase proficiency with our partner nations’ forces across the maritime domain,” said Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. Fourth Fleet, in a statement.
“Deployments like this demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure and stable Western Hemisphere. This mission is a shining example of our dedication to strengthening maritime alliances, fostering trust, and working together to address common threats,” he added.
For his part, Rear Admiral Cassidy Norman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, noted that “we look forward to continuing the Nimitz’s legacy of teamwork as we collaborate and train alongside our regional partners.”
Southern Seas 2026 marks the eleventh edition of these exercises in the region since 2007.
The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group comprises the Nimitz, its flagship; Carrier Strike Group 11; the 9th Destroyer Squadron (DESRON 9); the embarked 17th Carrier Air Wing (CVW); and the Gridley.
CVW 17 is composed of six squadrons flying F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, C-2A Greyhound, and MH-60R/S Sea Hawk aircraft.
These batteries include F-18 and EA-18G fighters (the F-18’s electronic warfare variant), MH-60 multirole helicopters, and C-2 logistics support aircraft.
Source: eluniversal
