MV Ocean Trader sighted near Venezuela, US Navy presence at 15%

Analysis of Sentinel 2 imagery from September 20, 2025, indicates the presence of a vessel with a unique fore and aft superstructure resembling the MV Ocean Trader, a U.S. Special Operations Command vessel operating southwest of St. Kitts. The MV Ocean Trader, converted from a commercial Ro-Ro ship, functions as a clandestine forward operating base, capable of launching small craft and supporting special forces teams while blending in with commercial shipping traffic.

According to Carolina Lion on X, approximately 15% of all operational U.S. Navy vessels are currently stationed off the coast of Venezuela, including the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Assault Group. It appears that the Special Warfare Support vessel MV Ocean Trader is also active in the area.

This sighting, if confirmed, could represent a significant development in U.S. military operations in the region. For more on related coverage, see recent developments regarding the USS Stockdale"s arrival in Panama.