USS Iwo Jima Completes 10-Month Deployment
The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) returned to Naval Station Norfolk on June 6, 2026, concluding a nearly 10-month deployment to the U.S. Southern Command-4th Fleet area of responsibility. The 296-day deployment saw the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) launch over 6,000 sorties, accumulate 1,850 flight hours, and transit more than 130,000 combined nautical miles. This marked the first deployment of expeditionary naval assets in support of Operation Southern Spear, which focused on enhanced counter-narcotics operations. The ARG also played a key role in Operation Absolute Resolve, which involved the exfiltration of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
USS Nimitz Heading Back to the United States
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed Kingston, Jamaica, on June 5 after a four-day port call, and is now en route to the United States, according to the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica. The embassy stated that the carrier "finished its 2026 Southern Seas goodwill tour." The two ships supporting Nimitz, the destroyer USS Gridley and the oiler USNS Patuxent, also got underway after a brief stop in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Over the weekend, Nimitz hosted officials from the Dominican Republic for a distinguished visitor tour, and Gridley conducted a live fire demonstration of its Mk 45 Mod 4 5-inch gun.
Dual-Carrier Coverage in the Middle East
The U.S. Navy maintains dual-carrier coverage in the Middle East, enforcing a naval blockade. This strategic posture ensures a continuous presence of carrier strike groups in the region, providing flexibility and rapid response capabilities. The return of the Iwo Jima ARG and the Nimitz CSG to their homeports marks a significant rotation of naval assets, with other carriers likely to assume duties in the coming months.
Operational Highlights of the Iwo Jima ARG
During its deployment, the Iwo Jima ARG conducted a wide range of operations, including counter-narcotics missions, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation engagements. The ARG's ability to launch over 6,000 sorties and fly 1,850 flight hours demonstrates the sustained operational tempo of the Navy's amphibious forces. The transit of more than 130,000 nautical miles underscores the global reach and endurance of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ships.
Nimitz's Southern Seas Goodwill Tour
The Nimitz's Southern Seas goodwill tour included port visits and engagements with partner nations in the Caribbean and South America. The carrier's presence helped strengthen bilateral relationships and demonstrated the U.S. commitment to regional stability. The live fire exercise by USS Gridley showcased the Navy's naval surface fire support capabilities, while the distinguished visitor tour on Nimitz highlighted the carrier's role as a platform for diplomacy.
Future Deployments and Rotations
As the Iwo Jima and Nimitz return to the United States, the Navy will continue to rotate carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups to maintain forward presence. The dual-carrier coverage in the Middle East remains a priority, and additional assets may be deployed to sustain this posture. The successful completion of these deployments underscores the readiness and capability of the U.S. Navy's flattop fleet.
This article is based on reporting by twz.com. Read the original article.
Originally published on twz.com