The mv Ocean Trader, a converted merchant vessel designed to support US special operations forces, is currently operating in the Caribbean, Military Sealift Command confirmed, reports New York's Task and Purpose.
Originally a commercial roll-on/roll-off cargo ship named MV Cragside, the vessel was refitted with a helicopter hangar and advanced communications gear. It can carry up to 159 special operators and a crew of 50 for 45 days at sea.
Naval analysts said the ship's appearance allows it to blend with merchant traffic, making it less conspicuous than traditional warships. Its role includes serving as barracks and command centre, and launching boats for counter-narcotics and surveillance missions.
Satellite imagery and social media posts placed the vessel near St Kitts and St Croix in September. Its presence coincides with a wider US military build-up in the region, including eight Navy ships and 2,200 Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The US military has destroyed three suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean this month, killing 17 people. President Trump said commanders have discretion to respond to threats from Venezuelan aircraft, which have flown near US ships.
Venezuela accused US forces of detaining a fishing boat in its EEZ, but an unnamed US official said the search occurred in international waters and no contraband was found.
SeaNews Turkey
Originally a commercial roll-on/roll-off cargo ship named MV Cragside, the vessel was refitted with a helicopter hangar and advanced communications gear. It can carry up to 159 special operators and a crew of 50 for 45 days at sea.
Naval analysts said the ship's appearance allows it to blend with merchant traffic, making it less conspicuous than traditional warships. Its role includes serving as barracks and command centre, and launching boats for counter-narcotics and surveillance missions.
Satellite imagery and social media posts placed the vessel near St Kitts and St Croix in September. Its presence coincides with a wider US military build-up in the region, including eight Navy ships and 2,200 Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The US military has destroyed three suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean this month, killing 17 people. President Trump said commanders have discretion to respond to threats from Venezuelan aircraft, which have flown near US ships.
Venezuela accused US forces of detaining a fishing boat in its EEZ, but an unnamed US official said the search occurred in international waters and no contraband was found.
SeaNews Turkey
