The U.S. military is quietly expanding its presence across the Caribbean as Pentagon planners look to rebuild access to key bases and airfields throughout the region. From Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to Panama, El Salvador, Colombia, Ecuador, and Guyana, Southern Command is pushing for new locations that support counter-drug missions, disaster response, and growing competition with China in Latin America.In this video, we break down why the U.S. is returning to the Caribbean and Latin America, what bases and access points are under discussion, and how regional politics, migration, and rising instability are shaping American strategy. We also look at the role of Marine and Navy forces in the area, from V-22 Ospreys and LCACs to joint training missions and forward-positioned units.This isn’t the build-up of massive Cold War bases — it’s a network of small but strategically important footholds designed to give the U.S. faster response options and a stronger presence in a region that has been overlooked for decades.00:00 – Intro01:40 – Ad Read02:57 – Manta: The Lost US Base in Ecuador05:19 – The New Model: Access Over Bases07:02 – China Moves In 08:52 – Why The US Needs Access10:25 – Where the US is Expanding Access11:52 – What Will Operate From These Sites?13:38 – The Tough Politics Around It