President Javier Milei visited the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz on Thursday to participate in joint naval exercises with the U.S. Navy [1].
The visit signals a strategic shift toward closer military cooperation between Argentina and the United States. By engaging in these high-profile drills, the Argentine administration is publicly aligning its security interests with those of Washington.
The activities took place as part of the PASSEX 2026 drills [2]. These exercises were organized through the coordination of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and the U.S. Embassy in Argentina [1].
The USS Nimitz, designated as CVN-68 [1], was stationed in the South Atlantic off the Argentine coast during the visit [3]. The presence of the nuclear-powered carrier in the Mar Argentino served as the backdrop for the joint maneuvers [3].
President Milei's boarding of the vessel marks a visible departure from previous Argentine military postures. The joint drills emphasize interoperability between the two navies in a critical maritime region [1].
Officials involved in the PASSEX 2026 maneuvers said the drills aim to strengthen regional stability [2]. The interaction between the Argentine presidency and the U.S. naval command highlights the growing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“President Javier Milei visited the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz”
This engagement represents a significant pivot in Argentina's foreign policy, moving away from traditional non-alignment toward a strategic partnership with the U.S. The use of a nuclear-powered carrier for these exercises demonstrates a level of military integration and trust that is rare for the region, potentially altering the security balance in the South Atlantic.
