US a strong, dependable security partner for Guyana, region – President Ali

…lauds staff of Guyanese heritage onboard US Navy ship

In demonstration of the growing defence partnership between the two countries and their respective militaries, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali, recently led a group of Cabinet Ministers, top military leaders, and senior national defence officials on a visit aboard the United States Navy’s aircraft carrier – the USS Nimitz.

With over 4000 crew members and operating some of the world’s most advanced aircraft, the USS Nimitz is conducting exercises with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), thus strengthening alliances and building the capabilities needed to address shared security.
In a social media post on Thursday, President Ali recognised the US as a major security partner for Guyana and the wider region, something that he says is demonstrated through action.
“The United States has long been a strong and dependable security partner for Guyana and the wider region. Its commitment to its allies is not expressed through words alone – it is demonstrated through action, partnership and a sustained presence in support of regional peace and stability. We are grateful for the unwavering support of the US Government, military and people, whose commitment continues to strengthen security cooperation and safeguard the prosperity of our region,” the Head of State noted.
Similar sentiments were expressed by the Head of State during the visit onboard the USS Nimitz nearly two weeks ago. In a short video shared on Thursday, President Ali, while addressing the members onboard the warship, highlighted the important role of the US in the security of the region.
“When the US Government says that it is committed to its allies, it is not only words. The United States are serious when they say they want to be locked in to the security of this region. So, we are very grateful for all the work that you guys do out here,” the Guyanese leader posited.
During the visit, President Ali had also used the opportunity to spotlight the diversity of the US military, revealing that three of the members onboard the USS Nimitz are of Guyanese heritage.
“That is an even larger message that the United States military is comprised of men and women from different heritages, all with one common understanding that the world and the safety of humanity require everyone to work together with the same values, the same mindset, and the same understanding of what constitutes a peaceful world,” the President had stated.

Meanwhile, the visit by the Guyana Government officials onboard the naval ship came after an invite was extended by US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot.
The US Embassy in Georgetown, in a May 23 statement following the visit, said the visit was a powerful demonstration of the US’ growing defence partnership with the Guyanese military.
“The United States and Guyana share a commitment to regional security and prosperity. The visit of the USS Nimitz demonstrates our dedication to working hand-in-hand with Guyana and our Caribbean partners to address shared challenges and build a safer, stronger hemisphere for all our citizens,” Ambassador Theriot emphasised in the missive.
The USS Nimitz, the US Navy’s most historic aircraft carrier as part of Southern Seas 2026, represents American naval excellence and our unwavering commitment to regional security and cooperation.
As part of this deployment, the embassy said the USS Nimitz is conducting exercises with armed forces from the GDF, strengthening alliances and building the capabilities needed to address security challenges together.
Moreover, it noted that Guyana’s role as a founding member of the Shield of the Americas Coalition underscores the shared commitment to hemispheric security. Back in March, Guyana was one of two Caribbean nations that joined US President Donald Trump’s Shield of the Americas – an alliance that includes several countries from the Latin American region that committed to work with the US Government to address narco-trafficking and other illicit activities in the region.
“Our partnership extends beyond military exercises,” the US Embassy noted. “Under the Shiprider Agreement between the United States and Guyana, Guyanese law enforcement officers embark on US law enforcement vessels to assist in conducting counter-drug patrols and pursuing suspected drug traffickers that flee into Guyanese territorial waters – a testament to our collaborative approach to combating transnational crime.”
Also joining the Guyanese delegation on the visit was Lieutenant Commander Clint Venture, a Guyanese naval officer who previously spent six weeks on the Nimitz as an embarked international staff (EIS). As a member of the EIS, Venture took part in the planning and execution of bilateral engagements between Nimitz and partner nations throughout the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility.