PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – In a significant military deployment, the United States has positioned advanced naval assets in Haitian waters as the Caribbean nation approaches a critical political deadline. On February 3, 2026, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG-106) entered the bay of Port-au-Prince accompanied by two Coast Guard patrol vessels, CG Stone and CG Diligence.
This strategic movement forms part of Operation Southern Spear, a comprehensive initiative targeting drug trafficking networks in the region, authorized by Secretary of State for War Pete Hegseth. The deployment occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions as Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) approaches the February 7 conclusion of its mandated term.
Despite the Council’s prior commitment to respect the constitutional timeline, reports indicate certain members continue pursuing transition extensions, directly contradicting warnings from U.S. authorities about adhering to democratic processes.
The USS Stockdale represents cutting-edge naval capability with formidable specifications: measuring 160 meters in length with an operational range of 8,100 kilometers. Its arsenal includes 96 vertical missile silos capable of deploying surface-to-air, anti-ballistic, cruise, and anti-submarine missiles, complemented by six torpedo launch tubes. The vessel’s defensive systems feature a 127mm cannon, a Phalanx close-in weapon system with a firing rate of 3,000-4,500 rounds per minute, a laser dazzler system, and four 12.7mm machine guns.
As one of several warships deployed to the Caribbean under the Trump administration’s security strategy, the USS Stockdale’s sophisticated design and multi-mission capability enable simultaneous warfare operations across air, surface, and submarine domains. This deployment signals Washington’s sustained commitment to regional security and counter-narcotics operations while potentially serving as a stabilizing presence during Haiti’s delicate political transition.