The American aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz (CVN68), one of the largest naval vessels in the world is to visit Jamaica from June 1 to June 5, as part of the maritime cooperation deployment Southern Seas 2026. 

Now in its 11th iteration, the Southern Seas deployment was announced in March by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command that Jamaica will serve as the final stop in a multinational goodwill deployment that has taken the carrier throughout South America and the Caribbean. 

The USS Nimitz will anchor at the Port of Kingston. The visit underscores the depth of the U.S.-Jamaica bilateral relationship and the importance the United States places on its enduring partnership with Jamaica.

The visit of a U.S. aircraft carrier to Jamaica marks an important milestone in the longstanding partnership between our countries. Beyond strengthening maritime cooperation and regional security, this visit creates opportunities for meaningful people-to-people connections and economic benefits for local communities. 

Activities while in Jamaica

“We are proud to welcome these sailors to Jamaica and to continue building on the strong ties between our two nations,” declared US Chargé d’Affaires to Jamaica, Scott Renner. The visit will feature subject-matter expert exchanges and an opportunity for distinguished visitors, including government officials, members of the Jamaica Defence Force and students from local universities, to observe aircraft carrier operations firsthand.

In the spirit of partnership and goodwill, Nimitz crew members will also join local partners in school beautification projects and sports activities with local youth, facilitating lasting connections between American service members and Jamaican communities. Crew members will also have the opportunity to go ashore and experience Jamaica’s renowned culture, cuisine, and hospitality, providing an economic boost to local businesses.  

The arrival of this vessel in Jamaica highlights the strength of expanded U.S.-Jamaica security cooperation under President Trump, particularly our partnership in maritime security. Since its inception in 2007, Southern Seas has fostered goodwill and strengthened maritime partnerships throughout the region, and this year’s exercise continues that proud tradition.

Southern Seas 2026 reflects the United States’ continued commitment to working alongside close regional partners like Jamaica to advance shared security objectives and promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous hemisphere.