Category: Southern Command

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

See originally posted release on U.S. Embassy Guyana website

U.S. Marine Corps Major General (Maj. Gen.) Julie Nethercot, U.S. Southern Command Strategy, Policy, and Plans Director, visited Guyana May 6-8.  The Strategy, Policy, and Plans Directorate at U.S. Southern Command oversees strategic planning, policy development, and security cooperation coordination for Latin America and the Caribbean.  The Directorate directly supports U.S. Southern Command’s goals and objectives in deterring aggression, defeating threats, rapidly responding to crises, and working with allies and partner nations to strengthen the region’s capacity to ensure a secure, free, and prosperous Western Hemisphere.  Maj. Gen. Nethercot’s visit to Guyana underscores the continued importance and unwavering commitment the United States places on the U.S.-Guyana bilateral defense and security partnership.

During her visit, Maj. Gen. Nethercot met with Brigadier Omar Khan, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff, to discuss ongoing security cooperation and security assistance initiatives to advance technology platforms.  This visit is her second trip to Guyana and signifies the U.S. commitment to partnering with the GDF as it continues to increase its capabilities and expand its force.

The United States continues to work closely with its partners around the world to strengthen alliances and partnerships by improving interoperability, deepening information-sharing and planning, and conducting complex joint and combined exercises.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

ATLANTIC OCEAN  –  

The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), has made multiple drug interdictions in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of operations (AOR).

In March, while on patrol in the Atlantic Ocean, the crew detected a self-propelled semi-submersible drug smuggling vessel (SPSS). With assistance from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50, the crew acquired the location of the SPSS and LEDET members launched a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to intercept the vessel. The LEDET detained the individuals aboard the SPSS and seized approximately 2,370 kilograms of cocaine. Then the crew conducted a sinking exercise (SINKEX) on the SPSS.

“Spotting this vessel was like finding a needle in the haystack,” said Lt. Commander Travis Lee, Leyte Gulf’s senior aviator. “I’ve been doing this for seven years and not once been able to find and acquire such an asset until now.”

Taking down the SPSS was only the latest success for USS Leyte Gulf on this deployment.

In February, while on patrol in the Caribbean Sea, the ship intercepted three different vessels using coordinated air and surface operations involving both U.S. and partner nation forces.

During the interdictions, the LEDET boarded and took positive control of each vessel. On Feb. 6, the ship recovered 520 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $12.8 million. On Feb. 15, they recovered 600 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $15.25 million. Then on Feb. 28, the crew recovered another 600 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $15 million.

“Our Leyte Gulf team was ready when called upon to execute all three interdictions,” said Commanding Officer Capt. Nathan Diaz. “The successful seizure of more than $42 million in illicit drugs is a testament to the interoperability of our partner nations, the Coast Guard and the Leyte Gulf team.”

“It was an exciting day to be the Officer of the Deck running the bridge for one of our interdiction operations,” said Lt. j.g. Jayden Hodgson, an officer of the deck and public affairs officer aboard the ship. “Leyte Gulf prevented the illicit importation of drugs that day and we are only getting started.”

USS Leyte Gulf is currently deployed in the USSOUTHCOM AOR to support bilateral and multinational maritime operations with partners in the region, conduct Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) port visits, and to support JIATF-South in countering illicit-drug trafficking.

LEDETs are deployable specialized forces of the U.S. Coast Guard that enforce U.S. laws and treaties in the maritime domain.

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.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

LATACUNGA, Ecuador – The Ecuadorian Air Force welcomed a C-130H Hercules into its inventory during a ceremony attended by Kentucky Air National Guard leaders who were on hand to congratulate their State Partnership Program colleagues on the new capability.

The Department of Defense State Partnership Program is a cooperative military-to-military exchange administered by the National Guard Bureau that facilitates cooperation between U.S. National Guard units and foreign allies, fostering enhanced understanding across all aspects of civil and military affairs. The Kentucky National Guard has been partners with Ecuador since 1996.

“The arrival of this C-130H marks not only a tremendous increase to Ecuador’s air mobility capability but also a tangible representation of the commitment of the United States to a very close partner in pursuit of the values of democracy and the dignity of human rights around the world,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Mounkes, the Kentucky National Guard’s assistant adjutant general for Air.

“We look forward to a continued strong partnership with Ecuador in the years ahead,“ Mounkes said. “I am very honored, at a professional and personal level, to be a part of this momentous event today. It is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated organization of the caliber of the Ecuadorian military.”

Also in attendance at the March 25 ceremony were Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa; U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador Michael Fitzpatrick; Ecuadorian Minister of Defense Giancarlo Loffred; Brig. Gen. Geovanny Espinel, commander of the Ecuadorian Air Force; and many other civilian and military officials.

First Lt. Jason Sanderson, director of plans and requirements for the Kentucky Air National Guard, said Kentucky’s partnership with Ecuador is a good match, especially in the area of airlift.

“The fact that our partner nation is receiving a C-130H and we have a flying wing that also flew the C-130H means we have subject matter expertise,” Sanderson said. “One of the things I think we can help with is using our experience from our scheduled maintenance programs and how to manage that along with a viable flying schedule.”

The C-130H was delivered by a private company from Portugal and is a retired U.S. Air Force aircraft built in 1974. This will be the first C-130 for Ecuador, which currently flies the L-100, a civilian variant. The aircraft was part of the DOD’s Excess Defense Articles program, which transfers unused equipment to foreign governments to help modernize partner forces.

Ecuador plans to deploy the aircraft for domestic operations and humanitarian assistance, including counter-narcotics, control of illegal fishing, troop drops, and resupply missions employing aerial delivery to remote jungle settings.

Ecuador has its own aircrew and maintenance training program and partners with the Colombian Air Force for training. Some Ecuadorian Air Force maintenance officers have attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and the maintenance officer course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

“This donation is a demonstration of the deep collaboration between the governments of the United States and Ecuador, from security to economic affairs,” Fitzpatrick said. “But in particular, this plane is a gift to the Ecuadorian people from the American people to support their continued fight against narcotrafficking and criminal groups.”

The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing flies the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. It flew the C-130H Hercules from 1992 to 2021.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

SAN DIEGO – The U.S. Coast Guard marked the end of a record year in counterdrug operations as the crew of Cutter Waesche from Alameda, California, offloaded more than 39,000 pounds of cocaine in San Diego Thursday, October 27.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va.  –  

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Dover Air Force Base, Deleware, transported about 20 members of the 689th Rapid Port Opening Element from Haiti to Joint Base Langley-Eustis Oct. 20, 2016. The Soldiers spent about two weeks supporting disaster relief and humanitarian assistance efforts as a result of Hurricane Matthew.

The overall mission was to transport 400 tons of emergency-relief supplies via truck and helicopter to the people of Haiti.

“As a rapid deploying unit, RPOE Soldiers must always be prepared to provide support anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice,” said U.S. Army Capt. Adam Grover, 689th commander.

The 689th RPOE worked with members of the 621st Contingency Response Wing, Defense Logistics Agency and multiple other Department of Defense assets as part a joint task force in a massive effort to receive and sort supplies that came into Port-au-Prince International Airport, Haiti, before coordinating delivery to the hardest-hit areas.

“I think what’s critical to remember is the role that we play is to provide a unique capability that no one else can provide during a specific period in time,” said U.S. Navy Adm. Kurt Tidd, U.S. Southern Command commander. 

“What we did was the big jump start to be able to surge that initial volume of critical life-saving materials forward to get it on the ground, get it in the hands of the [Nongovernmental Organizations] and the distribution network.

Editor’s note: The original story can be viewed on the Joint Base Langley-Eustis website.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

From a U.S. Embassy in Argentina release. See originally published release.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) and its crew arrived April 29 at the Port of Buenos Aires.

This visit marks a significant moment in the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Argentina, aimed at enhancing maritime security and combating illicit activities at sea. During this visit, the crew will also conduct joint drills on the high seas with their Argentine counterparts, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of this mission.

The cutter, staffed by 150 men and women, is one of the largest and most technologically advanced ships in the Coast Guard’s fleet. The crew is dedicated to missions including combatting drug trafficking and monitoring for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUU-F) activities in the Atlantic Ocean. Their work not only supports U.S. interests but also contributes to regional stability and security.

James operates under the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area command, based in Portsmouth, Virginia, and engages in a variety of operations from counter-narcotics to maritime law enforcement. The cutter’s presence in Buenos Aires provides an opportunity for shared learning and further cooperation between the U.S. Coast Guard and its Argentine counterparts, solidifying the bond through practical and tactical engagements.

James is a 418-foot, Legend-class national security cutter that is homeported in North Charleston, South Carolina. Its design provides better sea-keeping, higher sustained transit speeds, greater endurance and range, and the ability to launch and recover small boats from astern, as well as aviation support facilities and a flight deck for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras    –  

The multinational exercise CENTAM SMOKE ended with a closing ceremony awarding the five participating countries’ firefighters at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 26, 2024.

Twenty-six firefighters from Colombia, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Jamaica earned a diploma at the closing ceremony of the 17th iteration of CENTAM SMOKE inside Joint Task Force-Bravo’s 612th Air Base Squadron’s Fire Station.

“Remember this, we are living in challenging times, and it’s only by training together and preparing to face these challenges together that we can better support the people and the communities of this region,” said U.S. Army Col. Wiese, JTF-Bravo commander. “I know that the training was tough and at many points you were exhausted, but you persevered through it — by doing so you are now better prepared to assist your teams when needed.”

The first three days of the exercise focused on techniques and procedures on hose advancements up two stories, nozzle control, vehicle extrication, rescue operations and carrying a 150-pound mannequin.  

On day four, the firefighters got to use these learned techniques and procedures in structural live fire training and low-angle rescue evolutions.

“This week, we all joined together in training events to better understand how we operate independently, so that one day, if called upon, we can operate jointly,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Gerald Allen, 612th ABS fire chief. “You have all demonstrated what we can accomplish when we come together as a team.”

At the closing ceremony, Jamaica was awarded “top country performers” of the Firefighter Challenge Obstacle Course averaging two minutes and 43 seconds. The “top performer” of the Fire Ground Obstacle Course was Gustavo Pena, a firefighter from Colombia, completing it in two minutes and 19 seconds.

Joint Task Force-Bravo is dedicated to its security commitments to our partner nations in Central America. This commitment is shown through the four-month preparation on these various training events to well-prepare these five countries firefighters to face any obstacle.

Together with our partner nations, Joint Task Force-Bravo plans, develops capabilities, trains, and conducts exercises to prepare for natural and manmade disasters in the region. 

“Visto lo visto. Retirada? Nada, au au!”

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras  –  

The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black visited personnel at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 22-23, 2024. 

Black is the fifth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. military’s highest-ranking enlisted member. 

His visit to the Honduran installation, where over 600 U.S. military personnel are assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo, focused on assessing quality of life conditions, learning about JTF-Bravo facilities and inspiring the enlisted force during an all-call. 

“Your presence here is for a purpose that is greater than any single one of us,” said Black. “It is for all of us — for our partner nations and Allies.” 

The SEAC is responsible for advising the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters involving joint and combined total force integration, utilization, health of the force and joint development for enlisted personnel. 

During his visit, several service members were recognized for outstanding service and were coined by Black.  

They were: 

• U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alexis Ortiz, Army Forces Battalion, 544th Military Police Detachment, Joint Task Force-Bravo 

• U.S. Army Spc. Izabella Conley, Army Forces Battalion, 394th Field Hospital, Joint Task Force-Bravo 

• U.S. Army Cpl. Brandon Martinez, 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, Joint Task Force-Bravo 

• U.S. Army Sgt. Amy Rivas, 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, Joint Task Force-Bravo 

• U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christian Pizarro, 612th Air Base Squadron, Joint Task Force-Bravo 

• U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. William “Chris” Schlee, 612th Air Base Squadron, Joint Task Force-Bravo 

• U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jessica Shaffer, Joint Task Force Bravo J3, Operations 

• U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Austin Patterson, Joint Task Force Bravo J4, Logistics 

The SEAC coin is unique, shaped as a dog-tag that features the SEAC colors as his position is the only enlisted position with its own flag.  

A perfect coin for a unique base with the oldest Task Force in U.S. history responsible for a Joint Operations Area that encompasses seven Central American countries. 

“At Soto Cano, the U.S. Department of Defense provides humanitarian and disaster assistance, military to military leadership and development, and world-class warfighting capabilities, said Black. “No other nation can do it like we do.”  

Black concluded the all-call with a declaration to the enlisted attendees. 

“We have the best military history has ever known,” said Black. “Every single one of you who trains, works, supports, develops and maintains are here to do one thing; Fight and win wars.”  

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

MIAMI (April 18, 2024) — Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), visited Guatemala April 15-18, meeting with President Bernardo Arévalo and senior defense leaders as well as taking part in the Central American Security Conference 2024 (CENTSEC).

The trip to Guatemala was Richardson’s first official visit to the country. The general’s contingent included SOUTHCOM Civilian Deputy to the Commander, Amb. Sarah-Ann Lynch, and Senior Enlisted Leader, Sgt. Maj. Rafael Rodriguez.

During her first day in the country, Richardson and U.S. Ambassador Tobin Bradley met with President Arévalo to discuss strengthening the U.S.-Guatemala security partnership. 

Later on the 15th, Richardson and the ambassador met with Minister of Defense Brig. Gen. Henry David Saenz and Chief of the Guatemalan National Defense General Staff Brig. Gen. Carlos Antonio Medina Juárez to discuss collaborative efforts to address regional security challenges.

On April 16, the general and Bradley traveled to Santo Tomás de Castilla near the Guatemala-Honduras border to meet with leaders and service members who are operating in the area to counter transnational criminal organizations and illicit trafficking. Later, Richardson, Bradley and Guatemala’s Minister of the Interior, Francisco Jiménez, visited a UNICEF Guatemala migration center on the Guatemalan-Honduras border to learn about the humanitarian care work that UNICEF provides to children in migratory status.

Also on the 16th, Richardson, Sgt. Maj. Rafael Rodriguez joined Minister Saenz, senior Guatemalan military leaders and service members for a Women, Peace, and Security discussion focused on the importance of harnessing the talent and contributions of women in the security and defense sectors.

From April 17-18, Richardson joined senior U.S. defense and regional security leaders for CENTSEC 2024.

Security cooperation between the U.S. and Guatemala focuses on shared interests including combating transnational criminal organizations and other malign actors; disaster preparedness; cyber security; promoting respect for human rights; and the expanded integration of women in security, peace, and defense missions.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala – For this year’s Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC), defense and public-security leaders from the United States and Central America discussed the central theme to the conference which was utilizing innovations to protect borders in all domains.

Guatemala City was the location this year as the Minister of Defense Brigadier General Henry David Saenz co-hosted this iteration of CENTSEC with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which sponsors the annual conference.

“Today, the threats we collectively face have only increased in scope and intensity. Democracy and its values are under attack globally and here in the Western Hemisphere,” said U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command. “Success requires a whole of society and integrated approach that leverages diplomacy, information sharing, military readiness, and economics. It’s what I call Team Democracy. Central America is critical to the Western Hemisphere, and it is so important this region and its people are bonded together by history, economics, and familial ties.”

Twelve nations participated with security leaders and delegations from Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States in attendance.

They were joined by officials and subject matter experts from the Coordination Center for the Prevention of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC), the Conference of Central American Armed Forces (CFAC), Inter-American Defense Board, and the Inter-American Defense College.

Richardson, along with Guatemalan Minister of Defense Brigadier General Henry David Sanez, addressed the group of leaders during a ceremony officially marking the start of the day’s multilateral discussions. The day before, Richardson along with Minister Saenz attended a Women’s Peace, and Security event held by SOUTHCOM.

The panels for this year’s CENTSEC included plenary sessions on data analytics to counter threats, as well as cyber security.

In her opening remarks, Richardson reiterated the importance of cyber security and the threats that non-state actors and countries like China, Russia, Iran, can pose in the cyber domain to influence, undermine, and destabilize societies.

“Cyber is an all-encompassing domain that links every facet of society, from social media disinformation to essential infrastructure. The fact is, is that the cyber domain affects everyone, including presidents, ministers, government organizations, the private sector and every single citizen,” said Richardson.

SOUTHCOM sponsors CENTSEC to promote and facilitate dialogue and cooperation among regional security partners focused on challenges of mutual concern and shared goals. These SOUTHCOM-sponsored conferences are an opportunity for defense and security leaders to strengthen cooperative ties among regional forces, engage in candid dialogue on pertinent issues, evaluate challenges impacting regional security, share successes and lessons learned, and explore ways to enhance security cooperation to build on prior successes.

Guatemala last hosted CENTSEC in 2014.