Following the deployment of Air Force F-35 fighters, early warning and refueling aircraft just a few days ago, it is now the turn of aircraft focused on special operations.
This novelty in Caribbean theater goes through the MC-130J Commando II y CV-22B Ospreytwo very particular models that have appeared on the platform of the Rafael Hernández International Airport in Puerto Rico, where the US has established one of its headquarters in the region.
The presence of the CV-22B has been revealed by the The Wall Street Journalwhile the MC-130J have appeared in images taken by the European satellite Sentinel-2.
These new appearances come shortly after Donald Trump’s appearance referring directly to Maduro: “If he acts strong, it will be the last time he can do it”.
“Pronto we will start the same program [de despliegue] on land,” said Trump himself.
With these phrases, which have been accompanied by others dedicated to pointing out the weapons capacity of the troops already deployedTrump alludes to Maduro and his intention to stand up to US forces.
While all this is happening on a media level in front of the spotlights and cameras, from Washington DC they have not wasted a moment to transfer systems and personnel to expand the Puerto Rican contingent.
“Are prepositioning forces to act“said David Deptula, retired US Air Force lieutenant general and dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, to The Wall Street Journal.
MC-130J special operations
The movement of these assets and the statements indicate that the administration Trump has already decided the course of action.
However, there are still many loose fringes on a potential operation in Venezuela. From the mere approach of the intervention to its objectives, beyond overthrowing Maduro and extraditing him to the United States.
These details are, today, the best kept secret of the US Southern Commandresponsible for military operations in the Latin American region.
The official speech of this military organization points to routine operations to rotate equipment and personnel in any military installation, without going into further details referring to the security of the contingents.
The routine to which they refer already fell long ago due to the weight of the deployed units, which currently concentrate the best media that the North American country has available.
Special operations
Back to the plane of aircraft, the mere presence of both platforms represents an important expansion in air capabilities in the branch of special operations.
CV-22 Osprey landing
Los CV-22 Osprey provide greater autonomy and speed compared to other rotary wing aircraft, such as helicopters.
This gives them more power to reach deeper areas within disputed territory without the support provided by refueling aircraft.
The Osprey’s tiltrotor format also allows them to beoperation in all weather conditions and, in addition, fly at a much higher speed.
Regarding the missions entrusted to the devices of this model, the CV-22 are specialists in special infiltration and extraction missionsas well as search and rescue within the military level.
One of the main capabilities of the Osprey is that can take off and land verticallyso its operation aboard aircraft carriers gives it extra flexibility.
Added to this is that its tilt rotors allow it to fly horizontally like a conventional airplane to fast movements at high altitude. A true Swiss Army knife for both the US Marine Corps and the US Navy.
More special as a platform is the MC-130J, an aircraft focused on carrying out missions with special operations personnel who are base on the platform of the C-130 Hercules.
The main task of the MC-130J is deploy cargo and personnel within disputed territory under any weather conditions.
MC-130J special operations
You can get it landing in complex areassuch as fields, or launching that same load from the air or military parachutists, a very common scheme in special operations behind enemy lines.
This aircraft model can refuel other aircraft such as CV-22 in flight o various types of helicopters.
According to TWZanother mission they carry out is establish advanced weapons points and refueling in austere areas, along with providing communications support and other ancillary tasks.
Let it be known, the United States has already several units specialized in the field have been deployed in the areaas personnel of the 160th Special Operations Air Regiment, more popularly known as the Night Stalkers.
“He Command II carries out clandestine or low visibility flightsin a single or with several aircraft, infiltration, extraction and low-altitude resupply of special operations forces”, as described by the US Air Force.
Furthermore, as they explain, the MC-130J performs the “mainly night missions to reduce the probability of visual acquisition and interception by aerial threats.”