Colombia’s Gen. Helder Giraldo Meets with SOUTHCOM Leaders in Miami

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

MIAMI (Dec. 6, 2023) — U.S. Southern Command hosted the General Commander of the Colombian Military Forces, Gen. Helder Giraldo, at the command’s headquarters in Miami today. 

This was Giraldo’s second official visit to the SOUTHCOM headquarters.  

SOUTHCOM Military Deputy Commander Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey and senior command leaders met with Giraldo to discuss U.S.-Colombia defense cooperation and provide briefings and updates on the command’s efforts to strengthen the bilateral defense partnership. 

Holsey and Giraldo also exchanged an Engagement and Cooperation Framework. The framework aims to achieve greater unity of effort between Colombian and U.S. forces in the areas of national defense and security, and to counter threats facing both countries. 

The longstanding defense partnership between the United States and Colombia dates back decades.  

For decades, U.S. and Colombian troops have worked alongside each other during training exercises, humanitarian and disaster response missions, professional exchanges, and security operations to counter regional and transnational threats. Earlier this year, Colombia hosted the annual South American Defense Conference and the multinational UNITAS maritime security training exercise

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba returns home to Portsmouth, Virginia, after interdicting $102 million worth of illegal narcotics

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

See originally posted USCG release

PORTSMOUTH, Va.– The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba returned home to Portsmouth, Monday, following a 51-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Patrolling in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Escanaba worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and several international partners to conduct counterdrug operations.

Escanaba’s crew disrupted illegal narcotics smuggling, interdicting 3,520 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $102 million, which were offloaded in Port Everglades, Florida. While in theater, Escanaba worked to detect and interdict drug-smuggling vessels and suspected traffickers. Escanaba’s crew directly contributed to Coast Guard objectives to combat transnational criminal organizations and enhance regional stability and security.

Escanaba’s operations were augmented by a Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron crew, which delivered air support for the use of force, and a tactical law enforcement detachment, which supplied skilled boarding personnel for mission strategy and strengthened law enforcement activities.

“The Escanaba hasn’t patrolled the Eastern Pacific for nearly a year, so this is the first counterdrug experience for many in the crew,” said Cmdr. Jared Silverman, the commanding officer of Escanaba. “I am beyond impressed with their ability to perform in less-than-ideal weather and circumstances. Beyond our operational success, the crew was able to build life-long bonds through once-in-a-lifetime experiences like transiting through the Panama Canal, to having fish calls in the Eastern Pacific. I’m glad that we could make these memories while accomplishing the mission as a unified crew.”

Escanaba is a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counterdrug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of federal fishery laws, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere. 

U.S. 4th Fleet Conducts Inaugural Maritime Planning Symposium

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

CALLAO, Peru – Twenty-five naval officers from eight partner nations recently completed the first-ever U.S. 4th Fleet Maritime Planning Symposium at the Peruvian Naval War College (Escuela Superior de Guerra Naval) in Callao, Peru.

Supported by the College of Operational Warfare – International Maritime Staff Officer Course at the U.S. Naval War College, professors Sean Carroll and Raymond Tortorelli and U.S. 4th Fleet planners led this inaugural maritime planning symposium in Peru to introduce and work through the Military Decision Making Process – Multinational. Navies from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay sent junior officers to participate in the seminar.

“In the U.S. Navy, we get many reps and sets in maritime planning early on in our careers,” said Lt. Cmdr. Cassie Redner, U.S. 4th Fleet Maritime Operations Center (MOC) Training Officer. “This symposium gives an opportunity for partner nation naval junior officers to get some experience with the Military Decision Making Process – Multinational by working through a scenario so that when they participate in operations and exercises they have already spent time working together and learning together. This effort seeks to increase proficiency and improve interoperability earlier in the officers’ careers.”

Professors Carroll and Tortorelli led symposium participants through a UNITAS-like scenario and worked through the steps of the Military Decision Making Process – Multinational. The planning process helps staff members conduct essential planning in support of missions that naval forces execute at sea.

“We intend to make this an annual symposium, offering our partner navies an opportunity to host,” said Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “Our desire is to have a continuum to build a cadre of partner nation naval officers who understand and are able to execute maritime planning for exercises and operations. This is our latest step in that effort, and we thank the Peruvian Naval War College for hosting this first symposium.”

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet at https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil, https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT.

8th FW recognizes 50 years of the F-16

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Jan. 20, 2024, marked the 50th anniversary of the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s first flight and its addition as a U.S. Air Force platform. Also popularly known as the ‘Viper,’ the F-16 has been used in every major American conflict since its onboarding in 1974. A half-century later, the F-16 now makes up approximately 50% of USAF fighter jet inventory and has become one of the most recognizable fighter jets globally.

The Fighting Falcon made its way to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (redesignated the 8th Fighter Wing in 1992) at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, in 1981; the first overseas unit to receive the platform. Today, the 8 FW’s two flying squadrons, the 35th & 80th Fighter Squadrons, are still utilizing Block 40 F-16s to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula and support the prosperity of the ROK.

As the 8th FW’s sole aircraft platform, the F-16 has participated in countless exercises, represented the United States on international stages, and even made recent history in 2023 by participating in the first-ever trilateral aerial exercise between U.S., ROK and Japanese forces.

“The fight is evolving, the threat is evolving, and fortunately, so is the F-16,” said Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander. “Flying the F-16 throughout my career has been an incredible experience, and looking forward with the new capabilities from the PoBIT upgrade and with the young pilots we have now doing things I never did as a wingman, the Viper will play an incredible role in the Future Fighter Force.”

US Army sergeant wins Gold Medal in Taekwondo competition in South Korea

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

A U.S. Army sergeant won the Gold Medal during an international Taekwondo competition in South Korea.

Sgt. Robert J. Errington from the 59th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Company (Hazards Response) took first place during the international competition at the Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul.

Errington also earned his Taekwondo black belt in six months during his deployment to South Korea, the birthplace of the famous martial art, which is also an Olympic sport.

In the 1950s – 1960s, many of the American martial arts pioneers earned black belts while stationed in the U.S. military in Northeast Asia.

Chuck Norris, a six-time world Professional Middleweight Karate Champion and action star, earned his first black belt in the Korean martial art Tang Soo Do while serving as a U.S. Air Force Air Policeman on Osan Air Base in South Korea in the late 1950s.

Errington, a Chemical Corps sergeant, first became interested in the martial arts during a family trip to Vietnam when he was 8 years old.

“During my stay there, I was able to watch monks from the Buddhist temple perform martial arts which piqued my interest in starting,” said Errington. “Coming to Korea, I wanted to embrace the culture as much as I could.”

Two company leaders, 1st Lt. Aidan J. Naylor and Sgt. 1st Class Sun-kyong Jung, who both used to practice Taekwondo, encouraged Errington to sign up for courses on Camp Casey, South Korea. The U.S. Army provides Kukkiwon-certified Taekwondo grandmasters for the courses. Yi Yong-son, a 7th degree black belt, is Errington’s grandmaster.

“Once I found out how easily Taekwondo was available, I signed up as soon as I could,” said Errington, a native of Buffalo, New York. “There are seven belt levels here starting from white ending all the way to black. From what I was told by my grandmaster, I was quick to promote and got my black belt in six months.”

Errington took all of the three classes offered on post every week. Since he had no prior martial arts experience, he practiced as much as possible.

For the 1st degree black belt test, Errington had to demonstrate the basics, perform four Taekwondo forms, complete 50 pushups and spar with a black belt at a higher level. He then had to break 3/4-inch-thick boards with a roundhouse tornado kick, spinning wheel kick and jumping reverse wheel kick.

During the competition in Seoul in September 2023, he had to overcome two opponents in his weight class to earn his Gold Medal.

“To prepare for this tournament, my grandmaster emphasized the importance of basic kicks and counter attacks. For him to let me even spar, I had to consistently spar against all the black belts for weeks until he became confident enough to let me fight,” said Errington. “My final match was intimidating at first because I was matched up against a 3rd degree black belt who practiced Taekwondo at a university club in South Korea. Even though he was a great practitioner, I was able to come off with a 12 to 6 win.”

The Fort Drum, New York-based 59th CBRN Company “Mountain Dragons” are deployed to South Korea in support of the 23rd CBRN Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and Eighth Army.

The 59th CBRNE Company “Mountain Dragons” are serving in South Korea on a nine-month rotational deployment. The company is part of the 83rd CBRN Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade and 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command, the U.S. military’s premier CBRNE formation.

American Soldiers and U.S. Army civilians from the 20th CBRNE Command deploy from 19 bases in 16 states to take on the world’s most dangerous hazards in support of joint, interagency and allied operations.

Since it was activated in October 2004, the Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland-headquartered 20th CBRNE Command has been supporting the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance.

Errington said he has enjoyed his deployment to South Korea, beyond his success on the mat.

“Korea has so much to offer besides Taekwondo. When I’ve had free time, I’ve explored Korea as much as I could,” said Errington. “From the nature side of Soyosan Mountain, the popular city of Seoul and even to the beaches of Gangwon Province, every weekend was full of excitement and surprises. I have also made a couple good Korean friends here that I’m sure I’ll be keeping in contact in the States.”

Errington chose to serve in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps to protect people from the hazards posed by Weapons of Mass Destruction.

“We protect people from substances that the average person doesn’t even know about,” said Errington. “At some point in my career, I would like to become a recruiter and show people what the Army can offer. After the Army, I would like to finish up my degree and become a professor in Chemistry, Earth Science and Astronomy.”

Capt. Evan P. Shortsleeve, the commander of the 59th CBRNE Company (Hazardous Response), said that Spc. Jacob Oliver from the Mountain Dragons will also test for his Taekwondo Black Belt soon. Shortsleeve said Errington sets a great example of the U.S. Army’s commitment to physical fitness and maintaining strong ties with our allies.

“Sgt. Errington represents our Army well,” said Shortsleeve, a native of Litchfield, Connecticut, and graduate of Norwich University. “He approaches each day with gratitude and leads those around him to live a fuller life. Soldiers and KATUSAs (Korean Augmentees to the U.S. Army) following his example have found a deeper meaning behind holistic health and fitness and forged friendships that will outlast their service with the Mountain Dragon family.”

Readout of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Meeting With “Five Eyes” Defense Policy Senior Officials

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

DOD spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout:

U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P. Royal; Australian Deputy Secretary of Defence Strategy, Policy, and Industry Hugh Jeffrey; Canadian Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy) Peter Hammerschmidt, United Kingdom Director for International Security Policy Nick Gurr; and New Zealand Ministry of Defence Deputy Secretary Policy & Planning Richard Schmidt convened a meeting of senior defense policy officials in Singapore today. 

The senior officials exchanged views on strengthening regional security and upholding the rules-based international order, including the importance of air and maritime operational safety across the Indo-Pacific region. They also reaffirmed the importance of continuing to work together to enhance the collective resilience of the partners, as well as resilience across the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Operation Roi Recovery assesses damages to Roi-Namur infrastructure in Kwajalein Atoll

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

A series of weather-driven waves Jan. 20 resulted in significant flooding of the island of Roi-Namur. The island is the second-largest island of the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll supports the U.S. Space and Missile Defense Command’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site. RTS serves as a space and missile defense test range for the Department of Defense.

USAG–KA personnel evacuated 80 of the approximately 120 personnel who call Roi-Namur home. Sixty people remain to assess damage and restore basic services while continuing the water and fuel runs that sustain the island of Enniburr, the island south of Roi-Namur where the Marshallese workforce resides.

“Clearing the runway on Roi-Namur and assessing its safety is our top priority now that we have evacuated personnel not required for the initial response efforts,” said Col. Drew Morgan, USAG–KA garrison commander. “Once the runway is open, we can move people and equipment back and forth to start the recovery process.”

The efforts of the garrison and multiple mission partners, which is named Operation Roi Recovery, could take months to complete. Aerial photos show extensive damage to Roi-Namur’s infrastructure, and multiple areas on the island are under water.

Flooding from the waves damaged much of the unaccompanied personnel housing. The dining facility, Outrigger Bar and Grill, the chapel and the Tradewinds Theater were moderately to severely damaged. The automotive complex remains under water.

“Roi-Namur represents the tip of Kwajalein’s spear,” Morgan said. “Roi residents are a special part of the Team Kwaj family. The workforce and community have mounted an impressive support response. I am very proud to be part of Team Kwaj.”

Gen. Richardson meets with leaders in Ecuador as part of U.S. delegation

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

MIAMI – U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), visited Ecuador Jan. 22-25 as part of a U.S. delegation, led by Special Presidential Advisor for the Americas Christopher Dodd, that included meetings with President Daniel Noboa and other senior Ecuadorian leaders.

The delegation, which included Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Counternarcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Christopher Landberg, and other civilian and military officials, focused on strengthening U.S. cooperation and assistance to bolster Ecuador’s efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations in the wake of a recent surge in violence.

The trip was Richardson’s second to the country as SOUTHCOM commander.

On Jan. 22, the U.S. delegation met with President Noboa and his cabinet to coordinate and agree on effective security cooperation strategies. (MORE: White House readout of meeting with President Noboa and overview of U.S. Government assistance to Ecuador)

On Jan. 23, Richardson joined the delegation to meet with senior law enforcement and justice sector officials, as well as representatives of civil society at the forefront of the fight against corruption.

Richardson met with Minister of Defense Giancarlo Loffredo, Chief of the Joint Staff Rear Adm. Jaime Vela, and senior military leaders Jan. 24 to discuss efforts to strengthen defense cooperation.

On Jan. 25, the general met with men and women serving in the Ecuadorian Armed Forces during a visit to the 5th Infantry Brigade “Guayas” in Guayaquil. While there, Ricardson and U.S. Amb. Michael J. Fitzpatrick joined Ecuadorian Rear Adm. Vela as the United States donated security assistance vehicles and equipment to strengthen Ecuador’s law enforcement, military and disaster response institutions.

Security cooperation between the United States and Ecuador focuses on shared objectives and interests, including collaboration and information sharing to combat transnational criminal organizations, bilateral and multinational capacity building exercises, and humanitarian assistance missions. Other bilateral engagements include exchanges of experiences, conferences and training events on disaster preparedness, cyber defense, space cooperation, maritime security, aviation, human rights, communications and logistics.

The U.S. is committed to supporting the security of the Ecuadorian people.

Coast Guard offloads more than $32 million in illegal narcotics

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

See originally posted USCG release

MIAMI – The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell offloaded more than 2,450 pounds of cocaine with an assessed street value of approximately $32.2 million in Miami, Tuesday. 

Coast Guard crews interdicted the illegal drugs in international waters of the Caribbean Sea during two separate cases.

“Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Coast Guard crews and agency partners involved with this interdiction, Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell brought these suspected smugglers and illicit contraband ashore for prosecution,” said Lt. Cmdr. Colin Weaver, Commanding Officer. “Coast Guard crews continue to deliver on our important missions of homeland and maritime security to save lives and thwart transnational criminal organizations operating in the Caribbean.” 

The following assets were involved in the interdictions: 

  • USCG Cutter Richard Dixon
  • USCG Cutter Dauntless
  • Joint Interagency Task Force South 

Along with the illicit narcotics, six suspected smugglers were apprehended and will face prosecution in federal courts by the Department of Justice. 

These interdictions relate to Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces designated investigations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF program can be found here.  

Detecting and interdicting illegal drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. The Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Florida conducts the detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. Once interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the interdiction and apprehension. Interdictions in the Caribbean Sea are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, headquartered in Miami.  

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Strengthening Partnerships: “Sky Soldiers” achieve historic first at Colombia’s Lancero school

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

VICENZA, Italy — In a historic achievement, three U.S. Army paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade became the first non-special operations Soldiers to successfully complete Colombia’s prestigious Lancero school.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Raymond Colon, Sgt. Angel Partidas and Sgt. Darwin Guevara, all ‘Sky Soldiers with the brigade’s 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, overcame weeks of rigorous training in the jungles of Colombia to earn the Lancero badge.

Situated in Tolemaida, Colombia, the Lancero school serves as the initial tier of the Colombian special operations training program, drawing inspiration from the U.S. Army Ranger School. The curriculum is specifically tailored to impart skills in guerilla or irregular warfare, with a focus on jungle and mountain terrains.

“Since September, Staff Sgt. Colon, Sgt. Guevara and Sgt. Partidas have been part of Lancero’s international course,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Carlson, command sergeant major, 173rd Airborne Brigade. “They’ve endured and been tested in one of the hardest military schools in the world.”

The Soldiers underwent grueling conditions, including minimal sleep while conducting consecutive missions, throughout the intense 73-day course.

“It was an unforgettable experience,” said Guevara, one of the newest Lancero graduates.

To earn the esteemed title of Lancero, the paratroopers faced challenges such as scaling the mountains of Bogota, reaching altitudes exceeding 13,000 feet (almost 4,000 meters), and navigating a demanding 25-day jungle phase at Fuerte Amazonas II.

Instructors provided guidance on how to successfully manage the rigorous terrain, deal with insects and utilize the wildlife they encountered. Additionally, participants learned how to trap and kill wild game for survival.

Each of the graduates agreed that the Lancero school was one of the most mentally challenging courses they have encountered. These words take on stronger significance considering all three also don U.S. Army Ranger tabs on their uniforms.

There was debate over which school was more physically demanding, but they all agreed there were similarities.

“Just like [U.S.] Ranger school, you are hungry, you are tired, but you are still expected to perform,” remarked Colon.

Since its inception in 1956, the Lancero school has seen numerous U.S. soldiers graduate from its annual international course, held each September. But the most recent three graduates hold the distinction of being the first non-special operations Soldiers from the U.S.

The three ‘Sky Soldiers’ proudly carry the titles of American Lancero graduates No. 151, 152, and 153, marking a significant milestone in the enduring bond between the U.S. and Colombian militaries.