Satellite İmagery Shows Surge of U.S. Aircraft in Puerto Rico

New satellite imagery reviewed on November 2 shows a notable concentration of U.S. military aircraft at Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, suggesting an elevated operational posture in the southern Caribbean.

The imagery and analysis were shared by defense observer MT Anderson, who stated that the airfield “remains the primary staging point for high-value US air assets in the Southern Caribbean.”

The annotated satellite images, provided by Satellogic and made available through SkyFiApp, show eight F-35 Lightning II fighters positioned on the apron, along with two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and one KC-130. One of the C-17s appears to be taxiing for departure, indicating an active flight schedule rather than static placement. Anderson described the air presence as “high-tempo,” with fighters providing forward deterrence and the transport and refueling aircraft underscoring continuous logistical movement.

According to the shared material, the positioning of these assets coincides with the westbound transit of Carrier Strike Group 12, centered on the USS Gerald R. Ford. The strike group was reported moving through the Caribbean region, raising the prospect of coordinated air-and-sea operations. “This concentration of air assets and logistical power at Ceiba suggests the region is preparing for a major surge in military activity,” the post said.

The image was provided by Satellogic and made available through SkyFiApp, with MT Anderson conducting the annotation and analysis.
The airfield at Roosevelt Roads has historically been used as a forward location for staging, dispersal and operational preparation for missions in the Caribbean and Latin America, although the base no longer functions as a full-time naval air station. Its runway and apron infrastructure, however, remain suitable for large aircraft movements and short-task deployments.

The aircraft types visible in the imagery carry different operational roles. The F-35 Lightning II is a multi-role stealth fighter capable of air defense, precision strike and sensor-fusion support. The C-17 Globemaster III is the core strategic transport aircraft of the U.S. military, used to move personnel, vehicles and palletized cargo. The KC-130 provides refueling and transport capabilities and can extend the endurance of fighters and other tactical aircraft.

The presence of eight F-35s together on the ground is notable. For forward deployments, fighter units generally rotate in smaller detachments unless preparing for sustained activity or joint operations. The combination of stealth fighters with heavy airlift and refueling capacity suggests preparation for either rapid-response missions or positioning of forces intended to remain in the region for an extended period.

The imagery does not show weapons loading, emergency posture or other indicators of imminent combat operations. The airport surface appears orderly, and there are no visible dispersal shelters, indicating a conventional staging configuration.