The U.S. is entering the endgame of its military buildup in the Caribbean, moving high-value assets critical for combat ops into SOUTHCOM.

- Deploying additional strike and electronic attack aircraft, including VANG F-35As and VAQ 132 Growlers
- Repositioning USAF assets from CENTCOM and INDOPACOM, such as CSAR HH-60W Jolly Green II helos and HC-130J aircraft
- Six KC-135 tankers forward deployed to the Dominican Republic
- MQ-4C Triton drone confirmed conducting ops in the AOR
- Advanced AN/TPS-80 radar set up in Trinidad & Tobago
+ Carrying out more frequent flight ops in closer proximity to mainland Venezuela

The Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, following a 5-day port call in the USVI, is operating in the central Caribbean.

If the rumor that "Maduro will be out by Christmas" holds, expect a decision to be made soon (if it hasn't already). Details and sources below.

Original post by Ian Ellis