U.S. Navy Deploys Warships To Track Russian Naval Flotilla Near South Florida

The United States Navy has deployed warships and aircraft to track a Russian naval flotilla travelling perilously close to South Florida’s coast.

According to sources from US authorities who spoke to McClatchy and the Miami Herald, the Russian Vessels, including three ships and a nuclear-powered submarine, approached the shore within 30 miles on June 11, 2024.

The proactive move comes after Moscow recently dispatched naval assets to the Carribean, marking the commencement of extensive military drills.

The Russian Defence Military has officially announced the beginning of Atlantic drills, with a focus on simulated strikes by its hypersonic-capable frigate and nuclear-capable submarine against simulated enemy ships.

There is suspicion that the frigate is outfitted with hypersonic missiles.

According to a US Northern Command officer, despite the Biden administration’s claims that it isn’t alarmed by Russian actions, it has authorized the deployment of three destroyers and a submarine reconnaissance aircraft to the region.

The official assures that Russia’s conduct, classified as routine naval activities, poses no immediate threat to US interests.

The US response includes the deployment of three guided missile destroyers, USS Delbert D. Black, USS Donald Cook, and USS Truxtun, a Boeing P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, and a Coast Guard cutter (the stone).

A senior administration official said last week that the United States Navy is prepared to implement whatever required position to monitor and track Russian conduct during the ongoing exercises.

Reports indicate that the Russian vessels may make an additional port call in Venezuela, adding to the situation’s complexity.

The Biden administration predicts an increase in Russian naval actions stretching from the Caribbean to the South Pacific.

The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces have announced the arrival of Russian ships, including the Admiral Gorshkov missile frigate, the Kazan nuclear submarine, the Nikolai Chiker salvage tug, and the Pashin oil tanker.

These ships are scheduled to dock for a week on June 12.

On June 11 (Tuesday) morning, the Russian sea rescue tug Nikolay Chiker was reportedly only 26 nautical miles from Key Largo.

US authorities acknowledged the Russian flotilla’s proximity while emphasizing its adherence to international waters.

A US official reiterated that the Russian ships and submarines presented no direct threat to the US.

Despite growing tensions and a complex geopolitical backdrop, the situation remains uncertain as the US Navy closely monitors the movements of the Russian flotilla in the waters around South Florida.

Reference: Miami Herald

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Source: Maritime Shipping News