What destroyers, ships, submarines and planes did the US send to take down the Cártel de los Soles?

On orders from President Trump in mid-August, an arsenal was deployed in waters near Venezuela as part of his administration’s efforts to combat drug trafficking linked to the Cártel de los Soles and the Tren de Aragua. The deployment also aimed to pressure Nicolas Maduro’s regime, which is accused of having alliances with various criminal organizations operating across the hemisphere.

This unprecedented naval and aerial deployment involves approximately 8,000 troops and includes an amphibious assault group, three destroyers, a cruiser, a nuclear submarine, and P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft.

The Iwo Jima immediate Amphibious Ready Group deployment

The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), consisting of the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), USS San Antonio (LPD-17) and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28), departed Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia, on August 14, 2025, for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Caribbean Sea. This group carries about 4,500 troops, including 2,200 Marines.

The USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is a U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship designed for multi-mission operations, including amphibious warfare, power projection, and humanitarian missions. The ship is 840 feet long with a deck width of 140 feet and can reach a top speed of 23 knots (about 27 mph).

The ship’s crew includes approximately 1,100 officers and sailors, along with about 1,890 Marines. It can carry up to 30 helicopters or ground-attack aircraft with vertical or short takeoff and landing capability, including 6–8 AV-8B Harrier II jets.

The ship can carry approximately 350 sailors and up to 800 Marines. It supports operations for CH-46, CH-53, and MV-22 Osprey helicopters.

The USS San Antonio is equipped with two RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers, two 20-mm Phalanx CIWS, two 25-mm Mk 38 chain guns, as well as .50-caliber and other light weapons stations.

The guided missile destroyers

The destroyer is equipped with the Aegis air defense system and carries more than 90 missiles, including Tomahawk missiles for ground attacks, Standard Missiles (SM-2, SM-3, SM-6) for air defense, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM), and anti-submarine missiles (ASROC).

The USS Gravely features a dual hangar for MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and is equipped with advanced sensors for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

The destroyer has a crew of approximately 300 sailors and has taken part in maritime security operations in the Gulf of America, as well as strategic deployments in the Mediterranean and Red Sea.

Other ships

Lake Erie has been key to ballistic missile and satellite intercept testing, demonstrating the Aegis system’s capability as a strategic defense platform.

Capable of exceeding 40 knots, the ship features a mission-specific modular combat system, the ability to launch drones, and support for MH-60R Seahawk helicopter operations.

The Minneapolis serves as a platform for interdiction and rapid landing operations.

Air and submarine support

The P-8 Poseidon is a U.S. Navy multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft that resembles a Boeing 737 but is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, torpedoes, missiles, and acoustic systems capable of detecting submarines deep in the ocean.

The Newport News is about 357 feet long and 33 feet wide. Its submerged speed can reach over 30 knots and it can carry about 130 personnel.

Its armament includes four 533-mm torpedo tubes, Mk-48 torpedoes, BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. It also has the capacity to carry up to 25 troops or personnel.

In 2003, the Newsport News participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, launching 19 Tomahawk missiles.