President Milei Boards USS Nimitz to Observe Historic Argentina-US Naval Drills

President Javier Milei visits the USS Nimitz during "Southern Seas 2026," signaling a major shift toward US-Argentine military cooperation in the South Atlantic.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 8:27 AM EDT

Source: Buenos Aires Times

Presidential Inspection of the Southern Seas 2026 Operation

President Javier Milei’s presence aboard the USS Nimitz on Thursday served as a definitive endorsement of the "Southern Seas 2026" operation. This large-scale naval exercise, coordinated by the US Southern Command, the US Embassy, and the Argentine Navy, represents the most significant joint military effort between the two nations in several decades. Milei arrived on the carrier’s deck via a US Grumman C-2 Greyhound transport aircraft, arriving just in time for an aerial display that marked the final phase of the week's maritime drills.

The exercises took place within Argentina’s exclusive economic zone following the passage of the USS Nimitz and the destroyer USS Gridley. The arrival of these nuclear-powered and high-tonnage vessels was formally authorized by Milei via executive decree earlier this month, highlighting his administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with US defense infrastructure. The Nimitz entered Argentine waters after navigating the Strait of Magellan, operating in the Argentine Sea since the previous weekend.

Strategic Alignment and Tactical Interoperability

The primary objective of the "Passex 2026" framework—a standard operation triggered when foreign warships transit the Argentine coastline—is to enhance interoperability between the two militaries. Officers from the Argentine Navy were embedded within the multinational staff on the carrier to coordinate complex tactics. The drills included search-and-rescue operations, as well as simulated defense and attack maneuvers involving high-tech assets such as F/A-18 fighter jets and MH-60 Seahawk helicopters.

Beyond the tactical benefits, this cooperation serves a broader strategic purpose. By facilitating the entry of one of the world's largest aircraft carriers into domestic waters, the Milei administration is signaling a departure from previous foreign policy stances that were often more guarded toward US military presence. This alignment is intended to standardize procedures and improve tactical coordination, ensuring that Argentine forces can operate seamlessly alongside US Southern Command in future South Atlantic scenarios.