US sends warship to Port-au-Prince ahead of government transition

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince confirmed Tuesday that the three American naval vessels in Haitian waters are operating as part of a security mission to support stability in Haiti. 

“At the direction of the Secretary of Defense, the USS Stockdale, USCGC Stone and USCGC Diligence have arrived in the Bay of Port-au-Prince,” the embassy said. 

 “Their presence reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to Haiti’s security, stability and brighter future.”

U.S. officials described the deployment as a deterrence and support mission, not a direct military intervention.

The deployment comes as gang violence escalates and the Feb. 7 expiration of the Transitional Presidential Council’s mandate is days away.