This Is the Nuclear-Powered Ship Deployed in Trump’s War on Drug Boats

The USS Gerald R. Ford is a $13 billion aircraft carrier sailing to the Caribbean with nuclear propulsion, an electromagnetic plane launcher, and 90 aircraft onboard.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, is heading to the Caribbean Sea as part of a Pentagon strategy it says is meant to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking in South America.

The news was confirmed late last week by Sean Parnell, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, through his social networks. In his message, he explained that the deployment of the Gerald R. Ford “will strengthen the United States’ ability to detect, monitor and dismantle illicit actors and activities that compromise the security and prosperity of US territory, as well as our stability in the Western Hemisphere.” Until now, only combat vessels and aircraft had been mobilized in the area.

Since last month, President Donald ...