U.S. Navy Carrier USS Nimitz to Conduct Military Exercises with Mexico and Nine Other Latin American Nations

Mexico City — The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz will conduct military exercises with naval forces from ten Latin American countries, including Mexico, the U.S. Southern Command announced.

The Nimitz and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley will perform passing exercises and at-sea operations with allied maritime forces while circumnavigating South America as part of the Southern Seas 2026 deployment of the U.S. Navy’s Fourth Fleet.

The exercise will include expert exchanges and provide opportunities for distinguished visitors from partner nations to observe carrier operations up close.

Port visits and engagements are planned with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay, with stops in Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica.

“The Southern Seas 2026 deployment offers a unique opportunity to enhance interoperability and increase competency with the forces of our partner countries in the maritime domain,” said Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. Fourth Fleet.

“Deployments like this demonstrate our steadfast commitment to ensuring a safe and stable Western Hemisphere. This mission is a clear example of our dedication to strengthening maritime alliances, building trust, and working together to counter common threats,” he added.

“We look forward to continuing the Nimitz’s legacy of teamwork by collaborating and training alongside our regional partners,” said Rear Admiral Cassidy Norman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11.

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group consists of the Nimitz, its flagship; the embarked staff of Carrier Strike Group 11; Destroyer Squadron 9; Carrier Air Wing 17; and the USS Gridley.