Trump Deploys Nuclear-Powered Ship in Drug War
▼ Summary
– The USS Gerald R. Ford is deploying to the Caribbean Sea as part of a Pentagon strategy to enhance the fight against drug trafficking in South America.
– This deployment represents an escalation of US military activity in the region, potentially increasing hostilities according to specialists.
– The Ford is the world’s most advanced and expensive aircraft carrier, costing $13 billion and being the first of a new generation to replace the Nimitz class.
– It features 23 new or improved systems, including an advanced nuclear propulsion system that allows it to operate for 20 years without refueling.
– The ship uses the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, which enables faster and more controlled launches of aircraft with heavier payloads and extended range.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the United States Navy’s premier aircraft carrier, is now en route to the Caribbean Sea as part of a broader Pentagon initiative aimed at intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking originating from South America. This deployment marks a significant escalation in military strategy for the region.
Sean Parnell, the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, confirmed the carrier’s new mission through his social media channels late last week. He stated that sending the Gerald R. Ford will enhance the nation’s capacity to identify, track, and disrupt illegal operations that threaten both U.S. security and regional stability. Previously, only smaller combat ships and surveillance aircraft were assigned to these duties.
The Trump administration has been conducting an ongoing campaign in Caribbean waters since last month, focusing on dismantling drug smuggling networks. Officials argue that these criminal activities pose a direct risk to the safety of American citizens. In recent operations, U.S. military forces have intercepted multiple vessels and charged their crews with narcotics transportation, a move that has already strained diplomatic relations with countries including Venezuela and Colombia.
Deploying the Ford represents a notable increase in Washington’s military involvement in the area. Analysts suggest this could lead to heightened tensions with regional actors.
Widely regarded as the world’s most sophisticated and costly warship, the USS Gerald R. Ford cost approximately $13 billion to construct. It serves as the lead vessel in a new class of aircraft carriers designed to eventually succeed the longstanding Nimitz class, which has formed the backbone of the U.S. naval fleet since the 1970s.
According to Naval Technology, the Ford-class carriers are nuclear-powered and were developed by Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division under the Navy’s CVN-21 Aircraft Carrier Program.
Bringing in the Big Guns
The Ford introduces 23 new or upgraded systems that significantly enhance capabilities in areas such as transport, communications, tracking, operational efficiency, weight management, and stability when compared to the Nimitz-class carriers.
With a displacement of nearly 100,000 tons, the carrier measures 333 meters in length and 40.8 meters in width, featuring a flight deck that spans 78 meters. A key advancement is its state-of-the-art nuclear propulsion system, which boosts power generation and distribution by 150 percent over earlier models. Developed by Northrop Grumman, this system includes two reactors, four shafts, and a zonal electrical distribution network, enabling the ship to operate for up to two decades without needing to refuel.
Another major innovation is the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, which replaces older steam catapults with a linear electromagnetic accelerator. This technology offers superior control during the launch of both manned and unmanned aircraft, allowing them to take off at higher speeds while carrying more weapons or additional fuel. The result is extended operational range, broader coverage, and increased combat effectiveness.
(Source: Wired)
