The military buildup for Operation Southern Spear continues its escalation in the Caribbean, with U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighter jets launching a nighttime flight mission from the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Eastern Puerto Rico. The aircraft belong to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 (VMFA-225), nicknamed the “Vikings,” which operates the Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the fifth-generation fighter.
Night Operations Signal Combat Readiness
The launch of the F-35Bs for a mission over the Caribbean Sea underscores the increasing operational readiness of U.S. forces in the region. Night flight missions are crucial for:
* Training and Deterrence: Practicing complex combat maneuvers, aerial refueling, and electronic warfare tactics under low-visibility conditions.
* High-Threat Scenario Preparation: The F-35B’s stealth capabilities, combined with its advanced sensor suite, are essential for missions that may require operating in a high-threat environment, such as near Venezuelan airspace. The F-35B’s sensor suite and networking capabilities are specifically suited for missions requiring rapid identification and tracking.
* Strike Capability: The “Vikings” squadron has previously been documented conducting “hot load” training in Puerto Rico, arming the jets with GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM). The F-35B is capable of deploying 1,000lb-class weapons.
The continuous presence of the F-35B is part of the larger U.S. Southern Command mission, directly supporting the President’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland.
Roosevelt Roads: The Staging Hub
VMFA-225 was one of the first Marine Corps units to arrive at the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, which has been reactivated to serve as a major staging ground for aviation assets and troops gathered in the region.
* Tactical Advantage: The F-35B’s STOVL capability allows it to operate from remote or improvised locations, a crucial feature for deployments across dispersed Caribbean territories, including the 11,000-foot runway at Roosevelt Roads.
* Growing Force: The Marine F-35Bs are being joined by a growing number of U.S. aircraft, including F/A-18 Growler electronic warfare jets and the expected deployment of F-35A Joint Strike Fighters from the Vermont Air National Guard, further increasing the strike and electronic attack capabilities aimed at the Maduro regime.
The deployment of these highly advanced fighters, now operating day and night, signals the readiness of the U.S. to use its most potent assets in the escalating pressure campaign against Venezuela.
