El Salvador Leaders visit USS Nimitz during Southern Seas 2026 Deployment

by Ensign Warren Vause

27 March 2026
PACIFIC OCEAN

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) hosted a visit by senior Armed Forces of El Salvador and civilian officials, including Adm. Rene Merino, minister of defense and Vice Adm. Exon Ascencio, chief of defense, while deployed to the 4th Fleet area of operations, March 26.

Merino and Ascencio were accompanied by Naomi Fellows, chargé d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy San Salvador, as well as other senior officials from the Salvadoran Ministry of Defense and U.S. Embassy San Salvador.

The visit was one of many planned opportunities for distinguished visitors to observe aircraft carrier operations during U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2026 deployment.

While aboard, Merino, Ascencio and Fellows met with Rear Adm. Cassidy Norman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, and Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. The leaders discussed the Southern Seas 2026 mission and the strong maritime partnership between El Salvador and the U.S.

Visitors were also able to observe flight operations from Nimitz’ flight deck.

Southern Seas 2026 marks the 11th iteration of the exercise to the region since 2007. Like the previous deployments, Southern Seas 2026 is designed to foster goodwill, strengthen maritime partnerships, counter threats, and build the U.S. Navy’s team alongside partner nation maritime services.

During the deployment, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) is scheduled to conduct passing exercises and operations at sea with partner nation maritime forces as the ships circumnavigate the continent of South America.

NIMCSG consists of the Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101).

USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces improving regional unity and security.