The MV Ocean Trader, a floating barracks, helicopter base and command center for special ops forces, is currently operating in the Caribbean.

The MV Ocean Trader, a merchant ship outfitted for U.S. special operations forces, including addition of a helicopter hanger and extensive communication equipment over its bridge, in Fremantle, Australia in 2022. Photo courtesy Mike Barker, Fremantle Shipping News

A vessel that has been described as a special operations mothership is currently deployed to the Caribbean, Task & Purpose has confirmed.

A Military Sealift Command spokesperson confirmed to Task & Purpose that the MV Ocean Trader is currently operating in the Caribbean. The official deferred questions about its mission to U.S. Special Operations Command, which declined to comment.

Naval experts told Task & Purpose that the U.S. has a history of using commercial ships like the MV Ocean Trader as part of special operations missions. U.S. military officials have not said publicly exactly what the ship’s current mission in the Caribbean is.

You can read more here>

Staff Writer

Armed Forces Press is the Military's premier investigative newspaper. Long suffering from an absence of patriotic media, the United States Military is in dire need of an organization which will confront and highlight bad policies. The Military is in deep need of leadership. Armed Forces Press is committed to highlighting the tremendous courage, determination, tenacity and fortitude that our servicemen exemplify on a daily basis.