Category: Southern Command

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. – U.S. Navy Attachés and U.S. Navy Section Chiefs serving in partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America gathered at Naval Station Mayport Dec. 5-8, 2023, for the annual U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Maritime Synchronization Symposium.

This year’s symposium featured four guest speakers, expert panels, and question-and-answer sessions for the region’s Foreign Area Officers (FAOs) to discuss mutual challenges and opportunities, get the latest information on strategy, operations and exercises, and learn more about the Navy’s strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China and U.S. 4th Fleet’s campaign to inform the hybrid fleet.

The first guest speaker was Ambassador James Story, who most recently served as U.S. Ambassador for the Venezuela Affairs Unit, located at the United States Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, and is currently a State Department Fellow at Georgetown University. Other guest speakers included Dr. Miles Yu, Professor of East Asia and Military History at the U.S. Naval Academy, Lt. Gen. David Bellon, Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve and U.S. Marine Corps Forces South, and Mr. Chris Diaz, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro’s Chief of Staff.

“We brought in dynamic speakers who gave our Navy Foreign Area Officers (FAOs) much to think about as they return to their respective countries,” said Cmdr. Stephanie Lastinger, U.S. 4th Fleet Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) Director. “They serve on the front lines of strategic competition, and are successfully advancing American interests abroad.”

Participants were able to learn more about and provide input to staffers planning the upcoming Southern Seas and Continuing Promise deployments, which will feature USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) deploying to the region next year. They also heard from Cmdr. David Edwards, U.S. 4th Fleet’s Technology and Innovation Director, who briefed Operation Windward Stack, the Fleet’s current operation in the Caribbean.

We are operationalizing technology in a campaign of learning where sometimes we win and sometimes we learn,” said Cmdr. Edwards. “We are sharing our results with the other fleets already and look forward to integrating hybrid fleet information with our partners.”

“This year’s symposium provided all of our FAOs, service providers, and stakeholders an opportunity to spend time together and develop relationships which will help them get better as members of their respective U.S. country teams,” said Rear Adm. Rich Lofgren, USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT Reserve Vice Commander. “We know the critical work our FAOs perform in making the U.S. the maritime partner of choice in the Caribbean, Central and South America.”

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

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas  –  

Planners from across the region concluded the TRADEWINDS 2024 Scenario Development Conference held at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, from Dec. 5-7.

The three-day planning conference included military planners from the United States, Barbados, and Canada, and interagency partners from the Caribbean Community, Implementation Agency for Crime and Security, and Regional Security System Department of Defense.

More than 50 personnel began laying the foundation for the Barbados-hosted TRADEWINDS 2024, which will take place in the spring.

The regionally oriented exercise will focus on countering threats by way of a field training exercise, command post exercise, and tabletop exercise and involves security forces from more than 23 partner nations, primarily from the Caribbean Basin, U.S., Canada, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

The Barbados Defense Force selected “Preparing the Region for 2024 and Beyond” as the theme for this year’s exercise, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a singular focus.

“We are preparing regional and local entities for the upcoming cricket world cup, but also any possibility that may arise beyond that. So, our vision is wide, our scope is also wide,” said Commander Mark Peterson, Barbados Defense Force lead planner and co-host director of TW24.

“On the regional front, it brings together a pool of individuals who understand each other’s tactics, techniques and procedures, so we can train together as a region so that we understand each other if called upon to respond within the various member states,” Peterson said.

He went on to say this exercise ensures troops are prepared at the individual, team, and strategic levels to prepare for any security threat or humanitarian disaster that may arise in the future.

This U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, U.S. Army South-executively planned exercise is a combined-joint exercise that requires years of planning in advance, and the SDC is one component of the planning process.

TW24’s Initial Planning Conference took place in September of 2023 in Barbados. While an IPC is focused on operational and administrative site reconnaissance, the SDC’s objective is to refine the scenarios and road-to-crisis.

SOUTHCOM’s scenario manager, Doug Fitzgerald provided instruction on creating a Master Scenario Event List for the TRADEWINDS CPX, FTX, and TTX, inject and scenario development, and measures of success.

“We must determine during this conference the Opposing Force requirements. How big do we need the OPFOR? At what locations? Also, very important is for all cells and storylines to be synchronized and that they identify their logistical report requirements,” stated Fitzgerald.

He went on to explain the importance of observing the training audience and documenting lessons learned throughout execution.

“We will work with our Regional Observer Assessor Teams, who will be out in the field and assess and monitor the flow of the exercise. They will assess whether we are going to fast or slow to ensure the pace of the exercise is proper,” Fitzgerald explained.

“When measuring success, It’s the process and not the product. Meaning we can come to the end of the exercise and find out the training audience did everything wrong, but as long as we find that out, then we can make suggestions on what we can do better next time.”

In July 2023, more than 1,500 multinational forces conducted TRADEWINDS 23 in Guyana for the third time.

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. 

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. 

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

CALLAO, Peru  –  

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.

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 5^th 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.

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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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.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

MIAMI – U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), visited Paraguay Dec. 11-14 and met with President Santiago Peña and other senior leaders to discuss the United States’ longstanding defense partnership with Paraguay’s Armed Forces. 

The general’s trip to Paraguay was her first as SOUTHCOM commander. The visit coincided with the 80th anniversary of the start of U.S.-Paraguay military cooperation – a partnership that reflects both nations’ commitment to regional security and democracy.  

During the bilateral meeting with President Peña and Richardson Dec. 12, both leaders discussed strengthening defense cooperation and joint efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations and cyber threats. 

Later, Richardson met with Minister of Defense Oscar Gonzalez and discussed regional security and efforts to deepen defense cooperation.  Also on Dec. 12, the general met with Paraguay’s Commander of the Military Forces, General EJ César Augusto Moreno Landaira, and senior defense leaders to discuss the enduring defense partnership between the United States and Paraguay and continued military-to-military cooperation. 

On Dec. 13, Richardson attended Paraguayan-hosted events focused on the growing contributions of women to peace, defense, and security missions worldwide. She also joined Minister Gonzalez, Amb. Marc Ostfield, and other senior leaders and dignitaries to commemorate the 80-year history of U.S.-Paraguay defense cooperation. 

A key objective during Richardson’s visit was to expand her knowledge of Paraguay’s Armed Forces and their important contributions to regional security and global peace. 

U.S.-Paraguay bilateral defense cooperation activities focus on areas of mutual interest, including capacity-building exercises, disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, cyber security, and human rights. 

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras  –  

Joint Task Force-Bravo’s veterinary team worked alongside Honduran cattle ranchers to inoculate and deworm livestock in Humuya, Honduras, Dec. 12, 2023. 

During this engagement, the vet team inoculated and dewormed over 90 cattle – helping improve and increase the food stability in the region.