Dom Rep: U.S. Deploys Missile Destroyer Near Latin America

DOMINICA – The U.S. Navy confirmed recently that the missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner arrived in the Southern Command waters near Latin America, joining other U.S. warships in the region.

The ship departed Mayport, Florida, last Monday for a scheduled deployment.

According to Dominican reports, several U.S. military aircraft are expected in the Dominican Republic in the coming days as part of “Operation Southern Spear”, aimed at supporting counternarcotics missions.

Dominican President Luis Abinader announced in November that the U.S. could use restricted areas of San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport to fight drug trafficking following a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Analysts say the moves may also signal a long-term U.S. military presence in the Caribbean… the largest buildup in more than three decades.