The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Nimitz and its accompanying warships entered the southern Caribbean Sea on Wednesday. This move aligns with the Trump administration’s strategy to pressure the Cuban government, according to the military’s Southern Command and a U.S. official.

The administration currently plans to use the Nimitz and its fighter jets to demonstrate power rather than engage in significant military operations. This approach contrasts with the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford’s role in the commando raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, a U.S. official disclosed anonymously.

The Nimitz recently sailed along the South American coast on a pre-planned training deployment, participating in exercises with the Brazilian navy in recent days. The timing of the carrier’s arrival in the Caribbean coincided with the Justice Department’s announcement of charges against Raul Castro, the 94-year-old former Cuban president.

Welcome to the Caribbean, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group! The U.S.S. Nimitz has demonstrated combat capabilities globally, maintaining stability and safeguarding democracy from the Taiwan Strait to the Arabian Gulf. — Southern Command via social media

After the commando raid on Maduro, much of the military equipment assembled in the Caribbean departed to reinforce U.S. forces in the Iran War. However, the amphibious assault ship Tripoli remains stationed in the region, stated the Navy.

Eric Schmitt has served as a national security correspondent for The Times for over three decades, covering U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism. Reach him securely on Signal at ericschmitt.36.