Joint Special Operations Caribbean AO Patch

Swift • Precise • Resolute

This commemorative patch honors the joint special operations efforts conducted throughout the Caribbean Area of Operations (AO)—a region defined by complex maritime terrain, critical sea lanes, and persistent security challenges.

For decades, U.S. and partner-nation forces have operated across the Caribbean AO conducting maritime interdiction, counter-narcotics operations, counter-trafficking missions, intelligence collection, and rapid-response contingencies. These missions rarely make headlines, yet they demand constant vigilance, speed, and precision from the forces tasked with executing them.

This patch was created to recognize and commemorate those who supported and carried out these efforts—across services, domains, and task forces—often in austere, fast-moving, and politically sensitive environments.

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Symbolism & Design Meaning

• Crossed Trident & Dagger
  Represents the fusion of maritime dominance and special operations precision. The trident signifies naval and littoral operations, while the dagger reflects direct action, intelligence-driven missions, and surgical force application.
• Four-Point Compass Rose
  Symbolizes operational reach, navigation, and joint command authority—a reminder that these forces operate wherever and whenever directed.
• Wave Bar
  Grounds the design firmly in the maritime and littoral environment, where fast boats, island chains, and coastal access define the battlespace.
• Stars in the Border
  Represent joint service cooperation and balance, acknowledging the combined efforts of multiple branches and partner forces working toward a shared objective.
• Motto: “Swift • Precise • Resolute”
  Captures the operational reality of the Caribbean AO—missions executed with speed, exactness, and unwavering resolve.

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Joint Special Operations – Caribbean AO
A tribute to the missions that don’t seek recognition—but deserve it.

As of January 2026, the U.S. was conducting intense, sustained military campaigns in the Caribbean, primarily under Operation Southern Spear, initiated in late 2025 to target alleged drug trafficking, specifically targeting the Maduro regime in Venezuela. This operation involves a massive naval buildup, including the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group, with over 30 lethal strikes on, and seizures of, alleged drug-trafficking vessels, resulting in over 115 deaths. The campaign, which included the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, has evolved into a "Big Stick" approach to regional policy. 

Key details regarding recent (2025-2026) Caribbean U.S. military operations: