U.S. Decision to Reactivate the Fourth Fleet a Matter of Concern

The decision of the United States Navy to reestablish the Fourth Fleet, after almost 60 years on standby, in order to have a higher profile in Latin America and the Caribbean raised concern in the hemisphere. Spokespersons of the Navy have insisted on saying that the move 'is administrative in nature' and does not imply a bigger military presence, because the logistical demands in the Persian Gulf prevent physical relocation of the combat units. 'In fact, the U.S. Navy forces of the Southern Command have acted as a fleet. Therefore, from the operational view, nothing changes. Basically, the name is intended to be adjusted to the reality,' Lt. Myers Vásquez, the Southern Command public affairs officer, told the BBC.