U.S. Military Caribbean Troops: 2028 Plans Revealed
Okay, here’s a breakdown of the key information presented in the provided text, organized for clarity. This focuses on potential military build-up and activity related to Venezuela:
1. Increased Military Presence & logistics in Puerto Rico:
* Multiple Locations: Important military activity is centered in Puerto Rico, specifically at:
* Muñiz Air National Guard Base (San Juan)
* Fort Buchanan (near San Juan)
* Roosevelt Roads naval base (re-activated after being dormant since 2004, now hosting ~4,500 Marines and aircraft).
* Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Contracts: The DLA is procuring substantial food supplies for personnel in Puerto Rico, with contracts extending into 2025 and possibly 2028. This includes a wide range of food items, suggesting a prolonged presence.
* José Aponte de la Torre Airport: Specifically mentioned as a location for food catering services for the 22nd MEU.
2. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary unit (MEU) – A Central Player:
* Key Unit: The 22nd MEU is heavily involved in the activity.
* Training Exercises: Conducting training in Trinidad and Tobago (near Venezuela), which Maduro has criticized as a threat to regional peace. Thay’ve also conducted reconnaissance/surveillance training in Puerto Rico (Camp Santiago).
* Lack of Transparency: The 22nd MEU has been unresponsive to questions from The Intercept regarding their operations, including the use of a specific Defense Activity Address Code (M20179).
* Mysterious Code: The code M20179, linked to the 22nd MEU, appears in DLA documents alongside a fictional warship name (“USS Hiroshima” from Star Trek).
* Official Name: Defense secretary Pete Hegseth announced the campaign of attacks in the Caribbean and pacific is called “Operation Southern Spear.”
* Objectives: The stated goals are to:
* Defend the Homeland
* Remove “narco-terrorists” from the Hemisphere
* Secure the Homeland from drugs.
* Leadership: led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and Southern Command.
* Recent Kickoff: The operation recently began (details cut off in the provided text).
4. Concerns about Escalation & Intent:
* Potential for Venezuelan Campaign: A former defense official suggests the activity could be a precursor to a larger campaign in Venezuela, beyond just strikes on smugglers.
* Unanswered questions: The Defense Department is perceived as reluctant to address questions about the purpose and scope of these preparations.
In essence, the text paints a picture of a significant, and somewhat secretive, military build-up in the Caribbean, particularly in Puerto rico, involving the 22nd MEU and operating under the umbrella of “Operation Southern Spear.” The proximity to Venezuela, combined with the lack of transparency and the concerns raised by the former defense official, suggest a potential for escalating involvement in the region.
Is there anything specific you’d like me to analyze further, or any particular aspect you want me to focus on?