Southern Spear 1-31-26

These are results for us military buildup in the caribbean 2026 schedule 

In early 2026, the U.S. military maintained a significant, months-long buildup in the Caribbean.

Operation Southern Spear) focused on Venezuela, culminating in strikes on military facilities and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. This escalation involved over 15,000 personnel, aircraft carriers (USS Gerald R. Ford), and Marine units. 

2026 Caribbean Military Activity Timeline

Late 2025 – Early 2026: Continued deployment of 150+ aircraft, drones (MQ-9 Reaper), and special operations forces (MV Ocean Trader) to the region.

Dec 2025 – Jan 2026: Intensified surveillance and blockade of Venezuelan-linked vessels, with USS Gerald R. Ford and guided-missile destroyers positioned near the coast.

Jan 3, 2026: U.S. forces conducted air strikes on Venezuelan targets, including in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, followed by the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

Early 2026: The 429th Expeditionary Operations Squadron continued managing drone and aircraft operations from bases in Aruba and Curaçao. 

Key Components of the Buildup

Forces: Approximately 15,000 troops, including the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Assets: USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, amphibious ships, F-35s in Puerto Rico, and AC-130 gunships.

Logistics: Reopening of the Roosevelt Roads base in Puerto Rico and utilization of hubs in Trinidad and Tobago. 

As of January 2026, the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean—codenamed Operation Southern Spear—has transitioned from a preparatory phase to active military intervention. 

Following months of escalating naval and aerial presence, the schedule culminated in a major operation in early 2026:

January 3, 2026: The U.S. launched Operation Absolute Resolve (also referred to as the culmination of Southern Spear), a predawn raid involving over 150 aircraft and elite forces to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas.

Late 2025 – Early 2026: Deployment reached approximately 15,000 personnel, featuring the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and the reopening of the Roosevelt Roads naval base in Puerto Rico for F-35 stealth fighters.

Ongoing 2026:

Force Sustainment: Internal documents suggest U.S. plans to maintain this elevated troop presence in the Caribbean through at least 2028.

Asset Shifts: While major strikes on land targets were reported in early January, the U.S. has recently shifted focus toward seizing sanctioned oil tankers connected to Venezuela.

Regional Drills: Joint exercises with regional partners like Trinidad and Tobago have intensified to curb illicit trafficking and consolidate the U.S. position. 

Key Staging Locations:

Puerto Rico: Primary hub for F-35 operations and live-fire exercises.

Aruba and Curaçao: Cooperative Security Locations (CSLs) managing AWACS, P-2 Orion, and MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drones.

U.S. Virgin Islands: Logistics and support for special operations vessels like the M.V. Ocean Trader. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+military+buildup+in+the+caribbean+2026+schedule

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader