U.S. Military Power in SOUTHCOM: A Guide to Air and Naval Forces

1.0 Introduction: What is SOUTHCOM?

What does it take to project military power across an entire continent? The answer lies in a complex, multi-layered force of ships, aircraft, and personnel coordinated under a single command.

U.S. Southern Command, or SOUTHCOM, is the branch of the U.S. military responsible for operations in the geographic area covering the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. This document provides a clear breakdown of the significant U.S. air and naval military assets assigned to this region, based on publicly available information.

At the heart of this formidable presence is the most powerful single component of modern naval warfare: the Carrier Strike Group.

2.0 The Centerpiece:

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG-12)

Think of a Carrier Strike Group (CSG) as a modern-day battleship fleet with the aircraft carrier as its queen. It's a self-contained, mobile force capable of projecting power anywhere in the world. The primary group, currently operating in the Atlantic Ocean within SOUTHCOM's Area of Responsibility (AOR), is centered around the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

Protecting the carrier is a screen of highly capable warships operating in the Caribbean Sea. The primary escort force is Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2), which includes:

• USS McFaul (DDG 74)
• USS Ramage (DDG 61)
• USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116)
• USS Farragut (DDG 99)

Other key vessels in the group include the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), which often serves as the air defense command center for the entire group, and a stealthy USS Virginia-class Submarine (SSN), tasked with anti-submarine warfare and covert surveillance.

While the ships themselves are powerful, their true strength comes from the formidable air force they carry.

3.0 Air Power: The Wings of SOUTHCOM

The air assets available to SOUTHCOM are a coordinated mix of Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps units, each bringing unique capabilities to the mission.

3.1.1 Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW 8): The Carrier's Sting

Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW 8) is the collection of squadrons and aircraft that launch from and are based on the USS Gerald R. Ford. This wing gives the carrier its long-range strike and defense capabilities, with elements like its Super Hornets recently observed operating over the Gulf of Venezuela.

Squadron Designation & Name	Aircraft & Primary Role
VFA-31 "Tomcatters"	F/A-18E Super Hornet: All-weather fighter and attack aircraft.
VFA-37 "Ragin' Bulls"	F/A-18E Super Hornet: All-weather fighter and attack aircraft.
VFA-87 "Golden Warriors"	F/A-18E Super Hornet: All-weather fighter and attack aircraft.
VFA-213 "Blacklions"	F/A-18F Super Hornet: Two-seat version for more complex missions.
VAQ-132 "Scorpions"	EA-18G Growler: Electronic warfare aircraft designed to jam enemy radar.
VAW-124 "Bear Aces"	E-2D Hawkeye: Acts as the "eyes in the sky" with its powerful radar.
VRC-40 "Rawhides"	C-2A Greyhound: Carrier-onboard-delivery aircraft for cargo and personnel.
HSC-9 "Tridents"	MH-60S Seahawk: Multi-mission helicopter for transport, search and rescue.
HSM-70 "Spartans"	MH-60R Seahawk: Helicopter specializing in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

Notably, elements of this Carrier Air Wing, specifically the VAQ-132 "Scorpions" and their EA-18G Growlers, have also been deployed forward to land bases in Puerto Rico, demonstrating flexible basing options.

3.1.2 U.S. Air Force: Land-Based Air Superiority

Unlike the Navy's carrier-based planes, the U.S. Air Force operates from established land bases, providing persistent air superiority and support across the region.

Forward-Deployed Air Force Assets

• Strike:
  • F-15C Eagle: A dedicated air-to-air fighter designed to control the skies.
• Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
  • E-3 Sentry (AWACS): A mobile air traffic control and surveillance platform that manages the aerial battlefield.
  • RC-135 Rivet Joint: An intelligence-gathering aircraft.
  • P-8 Poseidon: A maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft.
  • U-2 Dragon Lady: A high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft.
  • RQ-4 Global Hawk: A long-endurance surveillance drone.
• Transport & Refueling:
  • KC-135 Stratotanker: A flying gas station that refuels other aircraft mid-air, extending their range.
  • HC-130J Hercules: A versatile transport and rescue aircraft.
  • C-17 Globemaster: A heavy strategic transport aircraft.

Rotational Support Assets "Rotational" means these assets can be brought into the region as needed, representing a flexible and powerful reserve force that can be scaled up to meet any contingency.

• F-16 Fighting Falcon
• F-22A Raptor
• F-35A Lightning II
• B-1B Lancer
• B-2A Spirit
• B-52H Stratofortress
• MQ-9 Reaper (Drone)

3.1.3 Marine Corps Aviation: Supporting the "Boots on the Ground"

Marine Corps aviation is designed to provide direct support for ground forces. In this region, key assets include the U.S. Marine Corps' Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA-312), the "Vikings," who fly the advanced F-35B Lightning II. The F-35B's most notable feature is its Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capability, allowing it to operate from smaller amphibious ships without needing a full-length runway. These aircraft have been observed operating from expeditionary locations in both Puerto Rico and El Salvador.

These aircraft are part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and its Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), a self-contained, rapid-response force capable of conducting missions from the sea. The MEU's aviation combat element, the "Thunder Chickens" Medium Tiltrotor Squadron, includes:

• AH-1Z Cobra: A dedicated attack helicopter for close air support.
• CH-53E Super Stallion: A heavy-lift transport helicopter capable of carrying troops and heavy equipment.
• UH-1Y Venom: A versatile utility helicopter used for command and control, transport, and escort.
• MV-22 Osprey: A unique tiltrotor aircraft that combines the speed and range of a fixed-wing plane with the vertical landing capabilities of a helicopter.

This immense and varied collection of air power, from carrier-based fighters to land-based bombers and specialized Marine aircraft, gives SOUTHCOM a layered and flexible response capability. These air assets are sustained by a wider fleet of specialized naval vessels.

4.0 The Fleet: Beyond the Carrier Group

The U.S. military presence includes more than just the main battle group. A host of other forces play critical support and specialized roles to ensure the mission's success.

• Military Sealift Command: These are the logistics workhorses of the fleet—the supply ships, like cargo trucks for the ocean, that keep the warships fueled, armed, and provisioned.
• U.S. Special Forces: Elite units using specialized aircraft like Black Hawks and Little Birds for low-profile special operations.
• U.S. Coast Guard: Sentinel-class patrol cutters that focus on law enforcement, counter-narcotics, and maritime security in coastal waters.
• U.S. Army: Provides critical air support with Apache attack helicopters for ground forces and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for troop transport.

Beyond the ships and aircraft currently on station is the immense potential firepower they carry, ready to be deployed if necessary.

5.0 Potential Strike Power: The Long-Reach Arsenal

"Potential" in this context refers to powerful, long-range weapon systems available to the fleet and air forces that can be used to strike targets from a safe distance if authorized.

5.1.1 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs)

A Tomahawk is a long-range, all-weather, precision-guided cruise missile used for striking specific, high-value land targets with minimal risk to pilots. Several ships in the SOUTHCOM fleet are equipped to launch them.

Naval Platform	Illustrative TLAM Loadout
USS Normandy (CG 60)	44
USS Farragut (DDG 99)	72
USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116)	72
USS Ramage (DDG 61)	56
USS McFaul (DDG 74)	Equipped for TLAMs; specific loadout not illustrated.
USS Virginia-class Submarine (SSN)	Equipped for TLAMs; specific loadout not illustrated.

The total potential number of TLAMs available in SOUTHCOM from these platforms is 248+.

5.1.2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM)

A JASSM is a stealthy, air-launched cruise missile that allows bombers to strike well-defended targets from a safe distance, outside the range of enemy air defenses.

• The B-52H Stratofortress can carry 20 JASSMs.
• The B-1B Lancer can carry 24 JASSMs.

These potential strike capabilities represent a significant strategic deterrent, signaling the profound reach and power held in reserve by U.S. forces in the region.

6.0 Conclusion: Understanding the Big Picture

This overview of U.S. air and naval power in SOUTHCOM reveals a highly capable and complex military posture. The key takeaways are:

1. A Team Effort: The U.S. presence is a coordinated mix of Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard assets. No single branch operates in isolation; their combined strength creates the overall effect.
2. The Carrier Is Key: The USS Gerald R. Ford and its Carrier Strike Group serve as the centerpiece of naval power projection, providing a mobile airfield and command center anywhere on the ocean.
3. Flexible and Layered Air Power: The combination of carrier-based fighters, land-based strategic bombers, and specialized Marine Corps support aircraft provides a tailored response for nearly any situation.
4. Significant Latent Power: The vast arsenal of "potential" strike weapons, like Tomahawk and JASSM cruise missiles, demonstrates a powerful strategic capability that can be brought to bear if required.

Ultimately, the U.S. military commitment in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility is a dynamic and multi-domain force designed for everything from partnership-building and security cooperation to high-end crisis response.