Category: Southern Command

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

NOTE: Translated from Spanish. See originally posted Embassy release

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The United States Government, through the Department of Defense, donated an aircraft valued at more than US$8 million to the Ministry of Defense of the Dominican Republic, in support of the shared fight against illicit trafficking of narcotics by transnational criminal organizations and in support of the country’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance in cases of disasters.

The official ceremony took place at the San Isidro Air Base, led by the head of the Ministry of Defense of the Dominican Republic, Lieutenant General Carlos Luciano Díaz Morfa and Patricia Aguilera, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy.

The donation of this Cessna model aircraft responds to the success that the Dominican Republic has had in the fight against drug trafficking in the region. The aircraft will allow greater control of air and maritime spaces, which will help the Dominican Republic prevent the entry and transit of illicit materials through the country.

Likewise, it will be another tool that will allow the United States and the Dominican Republic to increase their interoperability, giving way to even more fluid collaboration to achieve common security objectives.

During the aircraft delivery ceremony, the United States Chargé d’Affaires referred to bilateral cooperation and expressed that “the incredible courage, strength and teamwork demonstrated daily between the Dominican Republic and the United States to combat “Transnational crime is only achieved thanks to our strong partnership and shared vision of a safe and crime-free region.”

For his part, Lieutenant General Carlos Luciano Díaz Morfa, Minister of Defense, highlighted that “this important gesture symbolizes the firm intention of the United States to always collaborate, in a decisive and timely manner, in maintaining our high degree of operational readiness, an attribute that has always characterized the actions of our Dominican Armed Forces.”

Likewise, Vice Admiral José M. Cabrera Ulloa, president of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), thanked the Government of the United States for the great support that the country has received in recent years to confront drug trafficking and its crimes. related.

“For us, this cooperation has been very helpful because it has allowed us to strengthen our operational capacity and continue to face together the common threats of both peoples,” said Ulloa.

The event was attended by Major General Carlos R. Febrillet Rodríguez, general commander of the Air Force of the Dominican Republic (FARD); Lieutenant Colonel Lowell Krusinger, military attaché at the US Embassy; vice admiral, ARD, José Manuel Cabrera Ulloa, president of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), Luis Soto, general director of the National Investigation Department (DNI) and Brigadier General, Alberto Montás Castillo.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina National Guard is assisting Colombia, its State Partnership Program partner, in dealing with dozens of wildfires.

To help emergency responders battle as many as 30 active fires in and around Bogota in late January, the South Carolina National Guard loaned Colombia multiple helicopter buckets. 

“We are sorry our friends and state partners are experiencing significant fires this year impacting cities like Bogota,” said Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, adjutant general of South Carolina. “The South Carolina National Guard stands committed to assist Colombia with helicopter buckets, which are an invaluable fire-retardant tool.”

The helicopter buckets on loan to the Republic of Colombia can transport 700 gallons of water to drop on fire areas. 

The equipment loan is just a recent example of the success of the partnership between the South Carolina National Guard and Colombia, which began in 2012.

“The State Partnership Program is about supporting the development of capabilities,” said South Carolina Air National Guard Lt. Col. Daniel O. Linkroum, who directs the SPP program with Colombia. “It was satisfying to get a call to support an immediate need and be able to respond with resources in short order. It reaffirms the South Carolina National Guard’s commitment to our partner nation.”

This effort has been years in the making, supported and sourced by the Civil Affairs and Humanitarian Assistance Directorate at U.S. Southern Command.

The Department of Defense State Partnership Program is a cooperative military-to-military exchange administered by the National Guard Bureau. It facilitates cooperation between U.S. National Guard units and foreign allies. 

The program began in 1993 and has grown to include 100 nations.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (Feb. 8, 2024) — The commander of U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, visited Uruguay Feb. 5-8, 2024, and met with senior government and defense leaders to discuss the bilateral defense partnership between the United States and Uruguay.

The visit was Richardson’s first to Uruguay as SOUTHCOM commander. During her visit, the general got a firsthand look at Uruguay’s Armed Forces and their enduring contributions to domestic and regional security and their support to global peacekeeping.

On Feb. 6, Richardson met with Uruguayan Minister of Defense Javier García to discuss defense cooperation. Later, she met with Chief of the Defense Staff of the Uruguayan Armed Forces, Gen. Rodolfo Pereyra, to discuss continued cooperation and explore ways to strengthen the longstanding U.S.-Uruguay defense partnership. Also on Feb. 6, the general met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Paganini and discussed regional security and security cooperation.

During the meetings, Richardson was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay Heide B. Fulton.

Richardson’s engagements on Feb. 7 focused on the Uruguayan armed forces. Richardson visited the Uruguayan Air Force, Navy and Army headquarters and met with the top leadership and senior staff of Uruguay’s military services to discuss continued cooperation and the strong partnership between both nation’s armed forces. She held discussions with Uruguayan Air Force Commander Gen. Luis De León, Uruguayan Navy Commander Adm. Jorge Wilson and Uruguayan Army Commander Gen. Mário Stevenazzi.

Also on Feb. 7, the general visited the Escuela Nacional de Operaciones de Paz del Uruguay which trains Uruguayan service members for participation in United Nations Peacekeeping missions. Uruguay is a renowned supporter of peacekeeping operations worldwide and per capita, contributes more peacekeepers to U.N.-sponsored missions than any other Western Hemisphere nation.

Richardson rounded out her Feb. 7 armed forces engagements during a discussion focused on Women, Peace and Security. The general and Amb. Fulton joined Minister of Defense García and Undersecretary of Defense Rivera Elgue to talk with Uruguayan service members about ways to advance opportunities for women in security.

On the final day of the visit, Richardson took part in a ceremony as the United States donated firefighting support equipment — including “Bambi Buckets” and 40 self-contained breathing apparatuses — to Uruguay’s Sistema Nacional de Emergencias (Sinae) that will bolster the nation’s disaster response capabilities.

The United States and Uruguay share a longstanding defense partnership. Both nations cooperate in areas of mutual interest, including disaster preparedness; peacekeeping; human rights; maritime security; cyber security; space cooperation; defense capacity building; professional education and training; and the integration of women in peace, defense, and security missions.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

DORAL, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2024) – Across the street from U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) headquarters, tractors and earth movers are clearing the land and laying the groundwork for a new military housing community that will dramatically increase the quality of life of service members and families assigned to SOUTHCOM.

The work at the site represents a major milestone in the birth of a new military community; a 139-unit development that will be the first military housing in South Florida since the closure of housing units at Homestead Air Force Base in the wake of Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

The beginning of construction is the first tangible progress in a years-long effort to provide affordable, safe and quality housing for personnel assigned to SOUTHCOM.

“It’s a great sight for all of us to come to work in the morning and look across the street and see this new community coming to life from the ground up,” said SOUTHCOM Chief of Staff, Marine Maj. Gen. Scott Jackson. “Finally, after more than 8 years of work, the start of construction of this much-needed housing is a reality.”

The new housing will alleviate the strain on SOUTHCOM service members and families moving to the greater Miami area. The region has become one of the most desirable locations in the United States, with recent record growth and the rising cost of housing that comes with it.

The complex will also address long-standing readiness challenges with housing key and essential service members near the SOUTHCOM headquarters.

“The impacts of increased cost of living and housing costs was a driving factor to develop affordable, permanent housing to take care of our number one priority — our military service members and their families,” Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of SOUTHCOM, said at the site’s groundbreaking in early 2023.

The new housing community is expected to boast 139 state-of-the-art units, including 60 apartment units that are designed to serve 120 unaccompanied service members, 24 duplexes, 48 townhouses and seven single-family homes.

The housing is being built on 51 acres of federal land that the Federal Aviation Administration transferred to the Army at no cost. Lendlease, an Army privatized housing partner, is constructing the new housing and will operate and maintain the community once completed.

Site development and preparation is expected to be complete by January 2025 and actual housing units will be completed in phases with some housing available by the Summer of 2026 and all of the housing completed by early 2027.

The SOUTHCOM housing project is part of the Department of Defense’s Military Housing Privatization Initiative aimed at providing service members with affordable and comfortable housing that is conveniently located near their duty stations. 

Authorized in the mid-1990s, the program leverages competitively selected private sector housing partners and their investment capital to revitalize existing housing or construct new housing, then operate and maintain it over a 50-year period.  There are no upfront costs to the military departments and housing partners recover their investments by collecting rent consistent with service members’ housing allowances over the life of the community.

SOUTHCOM is one of the nation’s six geographically focused unified commands. The command is responsible for U.S. defense and security cooperation with partner nations in the Caribbean, Central America and South America, as well as U.S. military operations in the region.

The headquarters is comprised of more than 1,200 military and civilian personnel representing all U.S. military services and several other federal agencies. The command was established in 1963 and based in Panama until 1997, when the headquarters moved to South Florida.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

“We must think big,” said Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, at the beginning of the conference last week. “The enemy is not waiting for us to think big and move out. They are moving out each and every day in your countries. And we’ve got to do it faster. And we’ve got to be working overtime because our adversaries wake up each and every day trying to figure out how they’re going to do an end run around us.”

The conference, held in Miami, attracted 10 partner nations: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. Officials with U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Space Command also attended and participated. This was the third annual space conference. 

The conference is all about advancing space cooperation. “This is what the power of partnership is,” Richardson said. “This is how we move mountains. This is how we move planets. This is how we move forward in a domain that is so important.” 

The general said that the importance of the space domain has been manifest for years, yet “it keeps getting treated like it is new. We’ve got to get over it. [Space] is not new, and we need to move our partnership and we need to move out on working together.” 

Space is key to many earth-bound capabilities important throughout the hemisphere. Maintaining space capabilities matters not only to military purposes, but to telecommunications, economic, research and navigation needs.

Cooperation in the hemisphere is not merely a choice, but an absolute necessity given the complex world situation, said Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert D. Davis, the operations chief at U.S. Northern Command. “Our competitors and our adversaries seek to exploit our perceived weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the space domain,” he told the conference attendees. “This jeopardizes our respective nations’ ability to protect and project national power; deter and counter aggression; and accomplish our objectives.”

Army Maj. Gen. Brian W. Gibson, the director of plans and policy at U.S. Space Command, said now is the time to make these plans. Now is the time to work out systems and procedures in the space domain. There is competition in space, he said, and there is “certainly the desire to do things together. And we must. If we don’t approach common interests together, when we are faced with the reality that we must [work together], we likely won’t do it as well.”

U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, U.S. Space Command’s senior enlisted leader, also attended the conference giving the enlisted perspective to the attendees.

There needs to be a strategy governing the use of space in the hemisphere, said Coast Guard Rear Adm. Thomas G. Allan Jr., U.S. Southern Command’s director of operations. He said he wanted the conference attendees to discuss the importance of space, but also what that strategy needs to be, and he urged the attendees to start building that together. 

The attendees did work together. “We identified several bilateral and multilateral opportunities, including increasing participation in Exercise Global Sentinel; concluding additional Space Situational Awareness Data Sharing agreements; and developing a common space doctrine to enhance interoperability,” Spacecom’s Gibson said.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

PANAMA (Oct. 18, 2022) – The commander of U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, visited Panama Jan. 31 – Feb. 2 as part of a U.S. delegation taking part in a High-Level Security Dialogue (HLSD) between Panama and the United States. 

During her stay, Richardson also met with Minister of Public Security Juan Pino and Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez for talks focused on U.S. support to their organizations. On Feb. 1, she accompanied Pino and senior U.S. and Panamanian security leaders to visit the Darién and see the latest Panamanian security efforts to address migration and the humanitarian crisis in the area.

U.S. Ambassador to Panama Mari Carmen Aponte and Deputy Undersecretary for Central America Eric Jacobstein led the HLSD on Feb. 2, accompanied by the deputy assistant secretary of the Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Christopher A. Landberg. The delegation also included Department of Defense deputy assistant secretary for the Western Hemisphere, Daniel Erikson.

During the HLSD, the delegation highlighted efforts to strengthen bilateral security cooperation, including the areas of border security, citizen security, cybersecurity and maritime security. Through this dialogue and other bilateral initiatives, the United States seeks to deepen American support for Panama’s efforts to counter transnational threats and strengthen the security of all its citizens. (See more from U.S. Embassy Panama)

Previous dialogues have also focused on cyber defense, maritime security, border security and citizen security, as well as challenges of mutual concern, including irregular migration and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

The United States and Panama share a longstanding security partnership that dates back more than a century.

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.