USS Mahan, Guyanese Patrol Vessel Conduct Joint Exercises as U.S. Regional Operations Face Scrutiny

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) conducted maritime interoperability exercises with the Guyana Defence Force patrol vessel GDFS Shahoud (1039) on Nov. 22 off Guyana’s eastern coast, U.S. officials said.

The ships practiced communication, maneuvering and cooperative procedures, and Guyanese sailors embarked Mahan during the drills to strengthen coordination between the two crews.

“A cooperative maritime presence with our Allies and partners, including Guyana, is not optional, it is essential,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “Our regional security, and that of the United States, depends on our unwavering commitment to cooperation and demonstrable strength at sea.”

Human rights advocates and some United Nations officials have questioned the legality of certain actions, with some warning they could violate international law or amount to crimes against humanity. The U.S. maintains its operations comply with legal standards and target transnational criminal networks.

Several Caribbean governments have reiterated calls for the Caribbean Sea to remain a “Zone of Peace,” expressing concern that expanded military activity could heighten regional tensions.

Mahan’s deployment is part of Operation Southern Spear, a Department of War mission aimed at detecting, disrupting and degrading transnational criminal and illicit maritime networks across the Western Hemisphere.

The destroyer, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 40, entered the Caribbean through the Anegada Passage on Nov. 16 with Destroyer Squadron Two and the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group.

According to U.S. officials, Operation Southern Spear supports maritime domain awareness, regional stability and efforts to prevent illicit activity from reaching the U.S. homeland.