The USS Gravely (DDG-107) arrived in Port of Spain on October 26 for a five-day port call and joint operations with Trinidad and Tobago’s defense forces. Washington described the stop as part of regional security and anti-narcotics cooperation, while Caracas accused both governments of staging an act of aggression coordinated with U.S. intelligence.

Joint Drills and Timetable

The destroyer is scheduled to remain in port until October 31, conducting exercises on maritime security, counter-smuggling, and emergency response. U.S. defense officials said the visit underscores “shared regional commitments” and forms part of a broader Caribbean engagement cycle that has involved at least seven partner nations this year.

Caracas Issues Warning

Venezuela’s government condemned the destroyer’s proximity to its maritime boundary as “a direct threat to national sovereignty.” Vice President Delcy Rodríguez claimed the ship’s presence was linked to “provocations” and warned of consequences if Venezuelan territory were violated.

Reactions in Trinidad and the Region

A small group of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, criticizing the decision to host the vessel “only a few miles from Venezuelan waters.” Prime Minister Keith Rowley defended the drills as normal bilateral cooperation, while the 15-member Caricom bloc urged restraint and dialogue between Washington and Caracas.

Wider Regional Context

The Gravely’s arrival follows recent U.S. naval maneuvers in the Caribbean, including operations by an aircraft carrier strike group reportedly repositioned closer to Venezuela. The United States said these deployments are aimed at counter-narcotics enforcement and regional security, not confrontation.