The United States military’s buildup in the US Southern Command area of responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR) to counter narco-terrorists operating in South America continues. The United States Navy’s San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) arrived at Port of Ponce, Puerto Rico, earlier this month, suggesting that land operations may not be off the table.

The 684-foot-long LPD-28 warship is capable of embarking, transporting, and landing up to 66 officers and 633 Marines on expeditionary missions. It can serve as a modern, sea-based networked platform for amphibious deployments worldwide, capable of carrying up to four CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, two Landing Craft Air Cushions, one Landing Craft Utility, and 14 Assault Amphibious Vehicles. It can also be used to launch MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft or UH-1Y Venom helicopters, enabling the rapid deployment of Marines or conducting seaborne patrols.

“That aviation deck also allows Fort Lauderdale to act as an at-sea launch pad for special operations or Marine FAST (Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team) elements, often deployed in boarding or seizure missions targeting cartel-owned or cartel-financed vessels,” Army Recognition........

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