Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

The main planning conference (MPC) for Tradewinds 24 (TW24) has begun in Bridgetown, Barbados, marking the continuation of detailed preparations for one of the largest multinational military exercises in the Caribbean.

The MPC, which convened on Jan. 29, brings together key stakeholders from various nations to strategize and coordinate the upcoming exercise sponsored by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and executive planned by U.S. Army South. Participants are set to deliberate on exercise details, refine training scenarios, assess resource requirements, and address logistical considerations crucial for the smooth execution of Tradewinds 24.

The MPC serves as a vital platform for collaborative planning and coordination with attendees hailing from numerous nations, including representatives from the Caribbean Basin, U.S., Canada, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

“The main planning conference for Tradewinds 24 underscores our collective commitment to fostering regional security and stability,” said Maj. Angela Valcin, the SOUTHCOM lead planner for TW24. “It represents a crucial milestone in the lead-up to Tradewinds 24, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation and readiness among partner nations in safeguarding the Caribbean region against evolving security dynamics.”

Tradewinds has been a cornerstone of Caribbean-focused military training since its inception in 1984. Designed as a combined, joint exercise, the exercise aims to enhance regional security cooperation and interoperability among participating nations.

This year’s iteration focuses on countering threats by way of a field training exercise, command post exercise, and table-top exercise and involves security forces from over 23 partner nations.

“By assembling representatives from a diverse array of nations, we aim to cultivate a shared understanding of emerging security challenges and refine our joint response capabilities,” said Valcin.

As discussions unfold over the coming days, participants will work towards finalizing operational plans and ironing out logistical complexities ahead of the exercise’s execution in May.

“The MPC is the best opportunity to look at solidifying a medical, logistics, and movement plans,” said Col. Charles Karels, U.S. Army South Director G3/7 Training and Exercises. “It’s far enough away from the actual exercise execution that you have the opportunity to identify problems, adjust to them, and still check them to final conditions check the fine print.”

The next pivotal juncture in the TW24 planning process will be the final planning conference in March.

“Looking into the future to the final planning conference, we anticipate the culmination of our efforts as refined strategies and operational frameworks are finalized,” said Karels. “Together, we are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of our forces, paving the way for a unified and robust response during the upcoming exercise.”

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – In a show of international cooperation and a commitment to enhancing military partnership and capabilities, the Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais do Brasil (Brazilian Marine Corps) recently hosted an annual planning conference with representatives from U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South Oct. 23 – 27. The Operational Naval Infantry Committee brought together, senior leaders, planning officers and enlisted members from both nations to discuss future strategies, personnel exchanges, and bi-lateral training exercises.

The conference, held in the city of Rio de Janeiro, marks a significant step towards bolstering the collaboration between two of the Americas’ most prominent military forces. Officials from both sides lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust and unified front in an increasingly complex global security landscape.

Additionally, the ONIC creates a key forum for leaders and planners from the two Marine Corps to discuss and reaffirm mutual security objectives and plan future security cooperation engagements. Building off previous year’s events, the planners solidified the bi-lateral training schedules for the next two years and set a path forward on engagements over the next five years. Since both Marine Corps specialize in amphibious operations, continued and strengthened partnership will bolster both nations’ capabilities in this aspect.

Contra-almirante fuzileiro naval (Brazilian Marine Corps brigadier general) Roberto Lemos, commanding general of Doctrine Command, opened the conference with an address highlighting the historic cooperation between the two naval infantry forces. He stated, “The Brazilian Naval Infantry and the United States Marine Corps have a long-standing friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared values. This conference represents our commitment to enhancing our capabilities, increasing interoperability, and strengthening our partnership to meet the evolving security challenges of our time.”

The ONIC focused on how the two Marine Corps can work together to increase interoperability, strengthen the partnership, and achieve force readiness at the same time. During the scheduled events, planners also had in depth discussions about the U.S. Marine Corps Force Design initiative, Brazil’s ground and maritime initiatives, as well as emerging naval concepts that will directly impact both forces.

This upcoming year alone, both Marine Corps plan on conducting at least nine exchanges and training events as well as three larger scale bi-lateral exercises such as Exercise Formosa and Jungle Warfare Training, and the amphibious operation Exercise Dragão in Brazil. Both countries also participate in the multi-national exercise UNITAS every year, which will take place in Chile in 2024.

“Credible amphibious forces are needed now more than ever for maritime nations,” said the deputy commander for Marine Forces South, Col. Omar J. Randall. “Both U.S. and Brazilian Marines excel in specialized amphibious operations, and strengthening our long-standing partnership will improve our forces’ capabilities.”

The conference featured in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, including joint training exercises, operational planning, intelligence sharing, and the development of specialized equipment, specifically the U.S. Marine Corps’ “Force Design” concept and how it has shaped the current force. The Brazilian Naval Infantry and the U.S. Marine Corps also explored ways to address emerging threats, such as cyber warfare and non-conventional operations.

Throughout the five-day conference, Randall held discussions with multiple Brazilian Marine Corps leaders and visited multiple units, including Brazilian Marine Corps’ Amphibious Divisions, Armored Vehicle Division, Human Performance Division and Infantry Battalions. The participants engaged in discussions, scenario-based exercises, and practical demonstrations of various military capabilities. The joint planning sessions fostered a better understanding of how the two forces can work together seamlessly in a variety of scenarios, from humanitarian missions to peacekeeping operations and combat missions.

“This is about fostering and binding relationships through the entire planning process and execution of our training,” said Lemos. “We share the same desire to innovate and be ready for current and future operations in real world events.”

The conference also touched upon topics related to international security and the broader implications of their cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability, as well as their dedication to the principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.

Brazil’s unique location and vast coastline lends to their “Blue Amazon” strategy which is a layered approach to Brazil’s maritime responsibilities including military, economic, and environmental aspects. This concept was a focal point of the discussions during the ONIC and has particular importance to the Brazilian Navy and Marine Corps who serve as the country’s maritime force to ensure the integrity of Brazil’s waters as well as protection to the overall sovereignty of the South Atlantic Ocean. Their maritime security cooperation helps guarantee free and fair global trade. Due to the role Brazil plays in and across the Atlantic, representatives from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa were present at the ONIC to discuss security and partnerships in that region and to look for opportunities to support each other’s efforts. Also present were members of the U.S. Consulate Rio de Janeiro’s Security Cooperation Office.

“As the [U.S.] Marine Corps transitions some of its infantry units to Marine Littoral Regiments, we demonstrate our desire for free and fair trade by sea,” said Randall. “We are very interested in how Brazilians conduct riverine and littoral operations, such as for their Blue Amazon concept.”

Leveraging their expertise not only in maritime operations, an additional discussion point throughout the event was future exchange opportunities. Last year, the U.S. Marine Corps started an enduring plan to send forces to train alongside their Brazilian counterparts in one of the most complex jungle environments in the world, the Amazon. With a focus on exchanging best practices and enhancing jungle skills, the U.S. Marines are reciprocating the opportunity with plans to bring Brazilian Marines to the United States annually for a major combined arms live-fire exercise; the ONIC provided the perfect venue to advance these exchange plans.

The ONIC not only highlights the significance of the partnership between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Brazilian Naval Infantry but also reinforces their role as key players in safeguarding maritime security in the Americas and beyond.

As the conference drew to a close, the two commanders, Randall and Lemos, exchanged signed documents outlining their shared vision for future collaborations and cooperative efforts. Both leaders expressed optimism for the future of this partnership, emphasizing the mutual benefits that would result from closer cooperation and strategic planning.

The ONIC serves as a testament to the strength and unity of the Brazilian Naval Infantry and the United States Marine Corps, and it signals a promising future for the two forces as they work together to address evolving security challenges and protect common interests in an ever-changing world.

“We are grateful to have friends like you,” said Randall to the Brazilian Marines. “It is an honor and pleasure to work alongside you and I look forward to the success of these staff talks .”

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras  –  

The 1-228th Aviation Regiment trained on rigging a Unit Maintenance Aerial Recovery Kit to an Alpha Company’s UH-60 Blackhawk on Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Nov. 2, 2023. 

The training further built confidence between the maintainers and aviators supporting U.S. Southern Command’s efforts, and highlights one of Joint Task Force-Bravo’s means of aerial recovery of inoperative and lightly and heavily damaged helicopters using medium-lift and heavy-lift helicopters as the recovery vehicles.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

BELEM, BRAZIL – Four New York Army National Guard combat medics assigned to the 466th Medical Company, Area Support (MCAS), completed a Brazilian jungle familiarization and academics course with U.S. Army South, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 7th Special Forces Group and 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade Soldiers Nov. 1-4.

The medics are among 18 medical personnel and their Brazilian partners providing medical care to service members in Belem, Macapa and Oiapoque during the Southern Vanguard training exercise Nov. 6-16.

New York Army National Guard Maj. Shelly Respecki, the commander of the 466 MCAS, believes the opportunity to learn about the jungle from the Brazilian Army is an invaluable experience.

“The course allows our Soldiers to understand what threats and risks are involved with training in the jungle,” said Respecki. “We’ll be better able to treat the participants knowing what they’re going through and how to survive in the jungle.”

Participants in the jungle course learned about fruits and vegetables in the jungle, hunting and survival techniques, day and night land navigation, and conducting jungle movements and recovery.

Sgt. Gina Alexandro enjoyed the experience.

“I’m excited to not only function as a medic but actually be incorporated in the training with them,” said Alexandro. “I’ve been able to practice on my machete, build my own jungle hooch, and eat exotic fruits.”

Sgt. Brion Pasquale, a combat medic and civilian emergency medical technician, returned for his second visit to Brazil after attending Operation Parana III in the southern region of Brazil.

“I really love coming back to Brazil,“ he said. “It was such a great experience the first time, but to get this type of training in the Amazon is special.”

The 466 MCAS had medical field tents in various locations where service members could be treated for heat-related illnesses, environmental threats, emergency trauma and any other potential illnesses or diseases.

“We have a strong team here on the ground with lots of experience,” said Respecki. “The Brazilian medical team here have been open and receptive, and it’s been great working together.”

The New York National Guard and Brazil have been partners under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 2018.

The 30-year-old SPP program now includes 88 partnerships with 100 nations around the globe.
 

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

LATHAM, N.Y. – Forty-eight New York Army National Guard Soldiers are heading to Brazil Oct. 28-29 to exercise with Brazil’s 52nd Jungle Infantry Battalion and Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Exercise Southern Vanguard 24’s main action will occur near Macapa in the Amazon Delta, according to 1st Lt. Elliot Zalewski, a project planning officer for the New York National Guard.

Zalewski said the Brazilian battalion, and an infantry company, and other Soldiers from the 101st will conduct tactical exercises in the Amazon rainforest.

The exercise will enable the New York National Guard to continue to develop its relationship with Brazil under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, according to Army Brig. Gen. Isabel Smith, the New York National Guard’s director of joint staff.

“The exercise will continue to expand and increase interoperability between the New York National Guard and Brazil,” Smith said. “We look forward to continuing knowledge sharing and relationship building with our Brazilian partners.”

The New York National Guard and Brazil’s military initialed a State Partnership Program agreement in 2019.

Southern Vanguard exercises are organized by U.S. Army South and pair U.S. Army elements with those of South American militaries.

Exercise Southern Vanguard 23, for example, took place in Colombia with members of the Georgia and Illinois Army National Guard.

The New York National Guard Soldiers will come from:
• The 53rd Digital Liaison Detachment, based at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan.
• The 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, with current headquarters at Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill.
• The 133rd Composite Supply Company, based at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn.
• The 466th Medical Company (Area Support) from Queensbury.
• The 138th Public Affairs Detachment from Camp Smith Training Site.

The New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing will fly the Soldiers to and from Brazil on a C-17 Globemaster III transport.

The 466th Medical Company will provide medical services during the exercise and the 138th Public Affairs Detachment will conduct public affairs operations.

The 53rd Digital Liaison Detachment, whose Soldiers are trained to interact with other nation’s military forces, will work with the Brazilian battalion’s operations section.

The field artillery Soldiers and the Brazilians will work on coordinating fire support missions.

Thirty-eight New York Army National Guard Soldiers will attend a three-day jungle survival course alongside members of the 101st Airborne Division outside Belem.

Zalewski said Soldiers from the 53rd Digital Liaison Detachment would not participate in the course because of their duties as headquarters staff.

Since entering into the State Partnership with Brazil, the New York Air National Guard has sent aircraft and personnel to participate in Brazilian exercises, and Air Guard personnel specializing in space operations have worked with their Brazilian counterparts.

New York Soldiers and Airmen have attended the Brazil Jungle Warfare School, and New York Army Guard Soldiers took part in Brazil’s Operation Parana, an international military domestic response exercise in May.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

See originally posted USCG release

MIAMI — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 33,200 pounds of cocaine and 12,400 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $448 million in Port Everglades, Thursday.

The offloaded drugs were interdicted during 13 separate cases in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea due to the combined efforts of:

• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754)
• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis (WMEC 910)
• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617)
• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant (WMEC 621)
• U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team – South
• U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team
• USS Farragut (DDG 99)
• Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircrews
• Joint Interagency Task Force South

“This offload is about national security,” said Vice Adm. Kevin Lunday, commander U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “It represents one part of a very large and strong interagency team that works closely with our allies and international partners to interdict maritime smuggling of dangerous and illegal drugs into the United States.”

Numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security cooperated in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied militaries and international partner agencies, play a role in counter-drug operations. 

“Our success hinges on our people. For the past 113 days, the women and men of James worked around the clock in support of the counter-narcotics mission,” said Capt. Donald Terkanian, commanding officer of James. “That being said, we cannot do this mission alone. We appreciate the immense support and dedication from our interagency and international partners that join us here today.”

The fight against drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea requires a unity of effort in all phases, from detection and monitoring to interdiction and apprehension, through criminal prosecutions by international partners and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in districts across the nation. The Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Florida conducts the detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is conducted under the authority of the Coast Guard 11th District, headquartered in Alameda, California, and the law enforcement phase of operations in the Caribbean is conducted under the authority of the Coast Guard 7th District, headquartered in Miami. The interdictions, including the actual boardings, are led and conducted by members of the U.S. Coast Guard. 

These interdictions relate to Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) 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 at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

James falls under the command of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. Based in Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. In addition to surge operations, Atlantic Area also allocates ships to deploy to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific to combat transnational organized crime and illicit maritime activity.

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty and reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.  

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Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

As the final salute echoed through the air, the closing ceremony of Southern Vanguard 24 signified a note of triumph and unity. After almost three weeks of training, the U.S. and Brazil armies stood together one final time in Oiapoque, Brazil, Nov. 16.

The ceremony not only celebrated the successful completion of the exercise but also highlighted the bonds forged between allied forces.

“While today marks the official end of this exercise, we will continue to look towards future training opportunities and engagements,” Maj. Gen. William Thigpen, U.S. Army South commanding general, declared while reinforcing the continuation of partnership between the two countries.

Flags from Brazil and the United States billowed in the wind alongside the CORE 23 flag, a visual representation of the collaborative spirit that permeated every facet of Southern Vanguard 24.

“Southern Vanguard continues to be a remarkable example of enduring partnerships that are built on trust and shared commitment to provide a safe and secure Western Hemisphere,” Thigpen affirmed.

During the closing ceremony, Maj. Gen. William Thigpen gave recognition to the exceptional performance, adaptability, and teamwork the units and individuals demonstrated throughout the exercise.

“You have trained hard, deployed across the theater, and overcome numerous challenges,” he reassured both armies. “You are all a shining example of what is possible when partners dedicate their time, talents, and expertise to accomplish one common objective.”

The applause and cheers from the crowd resonated with pride, underscoring the shared commitment to excellence that unites the multinational participants.

Brazilian Army Gen. Luciano Guilherme, the Military Command Northern (CMN) commander, took the stage to share his thoughts on the significance of Southern Vanguard 24. He emphasized the importance of such joint exercises in enhancing interoperability among allied forces, ultimately contributing to security and stability in the region.

“It was a successful military exercise with gains in knowledge and consistent operational results” Guilherme declared. “Everything was executed with accuracy and security, proving the professional value of each soldier.”

Guilherme also acknowledged the challenges faced and overcome during the exercise, highlighting the valuable lessons learned and the opportunities for continuous improvement in future joint operations.

“I am sure that all of you experienced firsthand the challenges of this unique operational environment, with characteristics that pose challenges for any warrior,” he said. “I can see that the participants enjoyed every moment, overcoming the simulated military challenges and problems presented to them. Congratulations!”

Southern Vanguard 24 not only strengthened military capabilities but also fostered international camaraderie, leaving an indelible mark on the participants and reinforced the notion that together, nations stand stronger in the pursuit of peace and security.

“As the commander of U.S. Army South over the past two years, I have witnessed the strengthening of our bonds as we work together countering threats and improving interoperability when we come together for combined exercises,” Thigpen said. “Southern Vanguard 24 affirms that working together is our greatest advantage when it comes to long-term competition with adversaries that seek to undermine our shared values and security.”