Ecuador received U.S. aircraft carriers to strengthen maritime cooperation

The Minister of National Defense, Gian Carlo Loffredo, confirmed that Ecuador received U.S. aircraft carriers, highlighting the joint work with the U.S. Department of State to increase naval capabilities and strengthen regional security

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This is the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), which will deploy to several Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Uruguay, with visits to strategic ports in Brazil, Chile, Panama and Jamaica.

Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello, of the U.S. Southern Command Department of State, noted that the Southern Seas 2026 mission seeks to improve interoperability and cooperation in maritime security, demonstrating the commitment to maintaining a safe and stable Western Hemisphere

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Minister Loffredo emphasized that the exchange of knowledge strengthens the capacities of Ecuadorian naval forces and recognizes Ecuador as a regional leader in the fight against drug trafficking.

This cooperation is part of the “Shield of the Americas” summit, in which President Daniel Noboa participated in March, consolidating strategic alliances and joint actions against criminal organizations in Latin America.