US Reopens Base Off Venezuela: Satellite Images Document Preparations for 'Sustained Operations'

Satellite and field images have revealed that the US military is undertaking infrastructure rehabilitation of both military and civilian facilities in the Caribbean, specifically at the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station in Puerto Rico, which was closed more than 20 years ago.

According to Reuters, these works indicate preparations for "sustained operations" that could support potential US actions inside Venezuela, amidst escalating tensions in the region.

Details of Major Military Preparations

• Roosevelt Roads Rehabilitation: In September, crews began removing and repaving connecting taxiways to the runway. By October 29, satellite images showed the installation of about 20 tents near the runway, a mobile air traffic control tower, and mobile security equipment.

• Increased Operations Tempo: Military experts estimate the nature of the work aligns with increasing takeoff and landing rates for heavy transport aircraft and fighter jets, transforming the base into a "flexible, forward operating platform capable of rapid expansion."

• Expansion into Civilian Airports: Preparations extended to civilian facilities, including Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (where communication systems and an ammunition storage facility were observed), and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands (with construction work and a new radar).

• Strategic Advantages: Officials suggest these upgrades boost capacity for refueling and logistics and help close radar gaps often exploited by aerial drug smugglers, particularly over Haiti.

Largest Non-Disaster Military Buildup Since 1994

• Strategic Proximity: Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are only about 500 miles from Venezuela, giving Washington an advanced location for air and sea operations, sending a "harsh deterrence signal" to Caracas (Nicolás Maduro's government).

• Scale of Reinforcements: The current deployment has been described as the largest US military reinforcement not related to disaster relief since "Operation Uphold Democracy" in Haiti in 1994.

  • Naval Forces: At least 13 naval assets, five support ships, and a nuclear submarine have been deployed, most notably the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group with about 10,000 personnel.

  • Special Forces Support: The vessel MV Ocean Trader, widely linked to Special Forces operations, has been seen maneuvering near Puerto Rico and St. Croix, sometimes less than 100 miles from Venezuelan coasts.

  • Air Operations: Tracking data recorded flights of heavy bombers (B-1B Lancer and B-52) off Venezuela, the deployment of F-35 fighters and reconnaissance aircraft, and intense sorties by P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Conflict Between Stated and Implicit Goals

• Official Goal (White House): The White House stated the moves fulfill a campaign promise by President Trump to counter "narcoterrorism" in the region and stop drug smuggling into the US.

• Implicit Goal (Experts): Experts view this as a strategic pressure buildup and a threat against Venezuela.

• Rising Tensions: Since early September, US forces have carried out approximately 14 strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in 61 deaths, escalating tensions with Venezuela and Colombia.