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In the aftermath of a series of devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has taken decisive action to dispatch available U.S. military forces to the region. The command has received a formal request for assistance from the interim Venezuelan authorities, leading to a coordinated effort by the U.S. government to provide relief and aid to affected areas.
According to a statement from U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the commander of SOUTHCOM, has directed a significant contingent of U.S. military forces to support Department of State-led relief operations in Venezuela. Key assets involved in the effort include the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) and the littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15). Additionally, C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft will be deployed to facilitate the movement of critical supplies and personnel, while reconnaissance platforms and rotary-wing aircraft will provide vital support to the relief efforts.
Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard, a U.S. Marine Corps officer, has been dispatched to Caracas, Venezuela, to oversee the Department of War’s support to the relief efforts. The arrival of Maj. Gen. Jarrard marks a significant milestone in the U.S. military’s response to the crisis, as his command will be responsible for coordinating the logistical and operational aspects of the U.S. military’s contribution to the relief efforts.
The deployment of U.S. military forces to Venezuela is a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and the Venezuelan people. The earthquakes that struck the nation have left countless individuals in need of assistance, and the U.S. military’s response aims to alleviate the suffering and support the relief efforts led by the Department of State.
As the U.S. military continues to play a critical role in responding to the crisis, SOUTHCOM remains committed to ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the relief efforts. The command’s swift response to the request for assistance from the interim Venezuelan authorities reflects the U.S. government’s unwavering commitment to providing aid and support to those affected by the devastating earthquakes.
In a press release, U.S. Southern Command noted that the deployment of U.S. military forces to Venezuela is part of a broader U.S. government effort to provide relief and support to the affected communities. The U.S. military’s contribution to the relief efforts is expected to have a significant impact on the overall response to the crisis, and the command remains committed to working closely with the Department of State and other key stakeholders to ensure the success of the relief operations.