Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG 12) is preparing for a pivot to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of operations, with key escorts consolidating at Naval Station Rota, Spain, according to analysis shared on X. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) was observed unescorted in the Central Mediterranean on November 1st, a situation analyzed as potentially facilitating a replenishment for a key escort. This replenishment is theorized to involve the USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) linking up with the USS Bainbridge (DDG-96), which had been operating near the Ford. The immediate logistical priority is to fully provision the Bainbridge for a sustained deployment. Following the hypothesized underway replenishment (UNREP) of the Bainbridge, the group is expected to proceed west to join the USS Churchill and USS Mahan at NAVSTA Rota, Spain. The USS Mahan arrived at Rota today, November 2nd, while the USS Churchill moved to Pier 3, designated for refueling, further indicating upcoming movements. CSG 12 is likely to reassemble west of the STROG formation for its transit across the Atlantic to the SOUTHCOM area. These developments align with broader U.S. military activities in the Caribbean, including Operation Resilient Shield, a joint U.S. military-FEMA readiness drill simulating rapid humanitarian aid deployment that began on November 2nd, 2025. Earlier reports from November 2nd detailed the departure of the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) from Naval Station Mayport, Florida, heading towards the Caribbean amidst this buildup. The U.S. military has also deployed an AN/TPS-75 air defense radar on St. Croix and initiated construction at commercial airports and airbases in the region, according to satellite imagery and social media reports.
