MIAMI — The U.S. Southern Command welcomed the Nimitz carrier strike group to the Caribbean on Wednesday when the U.S. Justice Department announced Raúl Castro’s indictment in Miami.
The presence was encouraging for the Cuban Americans who support a U.S. military intervention and Castro’s capture.
The strike group includes the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, the embarked Carrier Air Wing 17, the USS Gridley, and the USNS Patuxent.
The U.S. State Department reported that the USS Nimitz was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, “to conduct joint naval exercises with the Brazilian Navy” from May 11-14.
The New York Times reported that the strike group will remain in the Caribbean for at least a few days as part of the Trump administration’s campaign to pressure the Cuban government, according to the military’s Southern Command and a U.S. official.
Related social media
Welcome to the Caribbean, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group!
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) May 20, 2026
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
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