Category: Southern Command

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

Gracias a Dios, Honduras   –   The Honduran Army, representatives with the Honduran Ministry of Health and volunteers from Honduran medical schools, participated in a Medical Readiness Training Exercise, or MEDRETE, with support from Servicemembers from Joint Task Force-Bravo Medical Element, in the village of Nueva Jerusalén, Gracias a Dios Department, Honduras, January 28, 2016, providing the local population of this remote area with free medical care and medications.

MEDRETEs are a part of U.S. Southern Command’s commitment to supporting partnership in the Central American region, and also provide Servicemembers a chance to integrate with local health providers in the nation, making this exercise a valuable joint operation between partner nations in the area and the U.S.

“Honduras has been an ally to the U.S. and these exercises encourage a friendship between both countries, and overall are a benefit for the people that live in these communities that are hard to reach, as is the case in Gracias a Dios,” said Honduran Army Sgt. Luis Alonso Aleman, 6th Infantry Battalion officer in charge of preventive medicine. “This is a huge benefit since they don’t have access to proper medical attention in their communities.”

Aleman provided a health class for the local population that visited the MEDRETE site, teaching them about proper personal hygiene and sanitation, which included tips on how to purify water for drinking and how to prevent diseases that are attacking the region such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika.

Currently, the Gracias a Dios region relies on deteriorated and under-stocked health centers. The class Aleman facilitated at the MEDRETE, was the first step in a series of services for patients transiting room-to-room to receive the proper medical attention and medication, which the remote region lacks.

“It is important that we receive this help, particularly in this area, since the health situation is not good,” said Candida Derek Jackson, Nueva Jerusalén Municipal Health Director. “This is a decentralized municipality, and therefore the funds we receive are not enough for the purchasing of medications, given the way the population is distributed. Through this exercise people will receive the proper medication, after a medical diagnosis, and this is a great aid for the Miskito people.

Supervisors from the children’s clinic and the regional coordinator for the promotion of health accompanied Derek, who oversaw the patient referral process and also helped translate conversations from Spanish to the local Miskito, dialect, explaining to them the procedures to follow.

Many people traveled for hours from different communities and villages, walking under the sun and through the difficult terrain, to receive free basic health care and medicine.
“Nueva Jerusalén, Belen and Cocobila have three health centers which are available to cover 25 villages of Gracias a Dios, so today there are people from several communities present,” Derek said.

“This type of mission, not only for Nueva Jerusalén, but also for the neighboring communities, is very important,” said China Taylor Wood, Nueva Jerusalén Health Center nurse.. “We are lacking medication and through this people can de-worm their children and also receive vitamins. This mission is very important for this community.”

Due to bad weather conditions the mission was cut short, however in one day’s work, over 470 people were able to receive medical care, dental care and medications.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

CARTAGENA, Colombia  –  

CARTAGENA, Colombia — Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) arrived in Cartagena, Colombia on Aug. 5, 2024 as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2024 (CP24).

Cartagena is the fourth mission stop for CP24, during which the crew will work hand-in-hand with professionals from the Colombian Navy, government agencies, and non-government organizations (NGOs) to host seminars, trainings and medical care sites. Continuing Promise has visited Colombia on every iteration of the mission since its inception in 2007. Burlington visited Santa Marta and Riohacha during Continuing Promise 2023.

“The relationship between our two nations stretches over two centuries of shared values of democracy, prosperity, freedom, and maritime and regional security,” said Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Smith, Continuing Promise 2024 mission commander. “Continuing Promise is a prime demonstration of the power of example, which in many cases is stronger than an example of power.”

Thirty U.S. Navy medical professionals with a variety of medical specialties, including dental, family and geriatric medicine, optometry, nursing, pharmacy, biomedical repair, laboratory, and radiology, will participate in multiple partner-led medical care events and subject matter expert exchanges across four locations in Cartagena. Additionally, the medical team will work with nine medical professionals from the South Carolina Army National Guard as part of the State Partnership Program, which carries out more than 1,000 events in partner nations every year to increase partner capacity and improve interoperability.

A detachment of four U.S. Army veterinary professionals will also provide working dog subject matter expert exchanges and surgical support to the Colombian Navy and partner-led veterinary events.

Along with medical personnel, the CP24 team also includes a detachment from the U.S. Fleet Forces Band called “Uncharted Waters.” The band will perform and conduct music clinics at seven separate events throughout the visit.

“Continuing Promise is such a wonderful way to connect with our allied partners,” said Musician 2nd Class César Pimentel-Ortiz, a trombone player for the U.S. Fleet Forces band “Uncharted Waters.” “Not only from the musical standpoint, which is the one I represent, but through all the things like medical, veterinary, it’s so much impact that we bring to these communities.”

A team of 10 U.S. Navy engineering professionals will support partner-led small-scale construction projects at Institución Educativa Europa and Centro de Salud La Candelaria.

“Since we have been partnering with these different countries, they have been very respectful,” U.S. Navy Construction Electrician 3rd Class Cyera Garrett from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One. “They have shown us their way of understanding the tasks and, vice versa, we show them our understanding. With the two together, we compromise and find the best way for us to complete projects.”

Multiple NGOs and interagency partners are prepared to support CP24’s mission stop to Colombia through Colombian Navy-led humanitarian assistance and disaster relief classroom and field training exercises. Santa Alianza, Pacific Disaster Center, University of Miami, and Pacific Response Group will represent some of the NGOs supporting these efforts.

U.S. Navy Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) professionals will host two multi-day seminars, a joint sports day, and a military-to-military roundtable discussion on the topic of gender-based violence. WPS is a UN initiative that started with UNSCR 1325 signed in 2000. The UN resolution is a public acknowledgement that women are more adversely impacted by conflict and crisis, and including women in security planning will lead to a more peaceful world.

Following a one-week stay in Colombia, USNS Burlington will sail to Panama for the last mission stop of Continuing Promise 2024.

CP24 is a fundamental mission in U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative, which is focused on increasing partner nation capacity and interoperability in the region and reflects the United States’ enduring promise of friendship, partnership, and solidarity with the Americas.

USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability. Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet at https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil, https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

PRICE BARRACKS, Belize   –  

Joint Task Force-Bravo’s premier multinational foreign humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises, AGILE BEAR 2.0 and Sentinel Watch, were hosted in various locations across Belize, July 21-26, 2024.

For more than 40 years, JTF-Bravo has been conducting HA/DR operations in Central America, the Caribbean and South America.

“I remember my first hurricane when I was 10 years old, and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter came to Belize afterwards to help — I found out later the helicopter was coordinated by Joint Task Force-Bravo,” said Belize Coast Guard’s acting vice commandant Lt. Cmdr. Alma Pinelo. “It is always a pleasure to have Joint Task Force-Bravo in Belize and the troops were excited for this.” 

AGILE BEAR 2.0, formerly known as Keel-Billed Toucan, is a weeklong exercise that conducted the Foreign Disaster Relief process at Price Barracks, familiarization training at the Belize Defense Force Air Wing in Ladyville, and a search and rescue helocast event off the coast of Sibun Bight.

On July 21, the exercise kicked off with the U.S. Southern Command’s Situational Assessment Team loading onto two 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment’s CH-47F Chinooks and a HH-60 Black Hawk at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras.

The SSAT is a deployable team of experts that can identify U.S. military capabilities needed and available to support U.S. foreign disaster assistance led by U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

These JTF-Bravo experts from medical, engineering, public affairs, communications, civil affairs and aviation traveled approximately 460 miles to set up a command post at the Belize Joint Intelligence Operations Center at Price Barracks, Belize, along with USAID’s BHA and in coordination with the British Army Training Support Unit-Belize.

“We provide a safe place for training and work with different organizations to utilize Price Barracks,” said British Army Training Support Unit-Belize commander Lt. Col. Alan Somerville. 

The JIOC is where the SSAT and USAID’s BHA practiced the Foreign Disaster Relief process using the Mission Tasking Matrix, known as a MITAM, by tasking JTF-Bravo’s aviation assets and engineering drone.  

USAID’s BHA is the lead U.S. federal agency for foreign disaster response and submits specific requests for Department of Defense unique capabilities using MITAM.

When JTF-Bravo is requested for its unique capabilities, they work in a supporting capacity to save lives and alleviate suffering by conducting operations, such as search and rescue operations, and transporting assessment teams and humanitarian aid to austere environments.

One of the MITAMs was for JTF-Bravo’s engineering drone called the eBee Tactical Survey Drone to provide post-damage assessments for recent fires in the Toledo District of Belize. The eBee TAC is capable of capturing geospatial imagery of an area affected by a natural disaster to help emergency personnel safely respond to future disasters.

At the Belize Defense Force Air Wing in Ladyville, JTF-Bravo led familiarization training with the Belize Defense Forces and Belize Coast Guard. The training consisted of the 1-228th AR’s rescue hoist operations using the HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as a static display and Army Forces Battalion’s medical team demonstrating lifesaving techniques that can be used in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Over 55 BDF and BCG members participated in this year’s AGILE BEAR 2.0.

“During hurricane season, JTF-Bravo is focused on HA/DR crises,” said U.S. Army Col. Daniel Alder, JTF-Bravo commander. “Primarily, our focus is on capability building with our partners.”

While in Belize, Alder met with the U.S. Ambassador to Belize Michelle Kwan, the British High Commission Kingston’s Defence Attaché Caribbean Lt. Col. Keith Brewster, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Commander Maj. Gen. Evan Pettus, BATSUB, BCG, BDF and Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization, who hosted Sentinel Watch at their headquarters. 

Simultaneously during AGILE BEAR 2.0, the Sentinel Watch exercise was being conducted.

Sentinel Watch is a tabletop exercise where Belize’s NEMO collaborated with JTF-Bravo and USAID’s BHA on natural disaster response options. Together, they learned each other’s capabilities and worked on a standard operating procedure for HA/DR operations.

AGILE BEAR 2.0 saved its top event for last, a search and rescue helocast jump off the coast of Sibun Bight near the BCG Headquarters.

In preparation for the helocast, the BCG’s safety boats and team moved into position accompanied by JTF-Bravo’s medics.

Then to mimic a SAR mission, JTF-Bravo personnel released a fluorescent green sea dye marker to signal the 1-228th AR’s CH-47F Chinook carrying the BDF and BCG members.

The Chinook hovered over the water as the BDF and BCG members had the opportunity to do a helocast or free-drop from the helicopter into the water. 

This training provided a waterborne, controlled environment creating realistic SAR training.

On July 26, both exercises concluded with a closing ceremony at the JIOC that was presided over by Army Forces Battalion’s Commander and SSAT Officer in Charge, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Carl Schreier.

In attendance, were JTF-Bravo, BATSUB, BDF, BCG, NEMO and USAID’s BHA.

“Thank you to our partners and personnel, who contributed to these two successful exercises to help create a unified force in Belize,” said Schreier.

Central America is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, and JTF-Bravo’s AGILE BEAR 2.0 and Sentinel Watch continue to fortify Belize with the knowledge and resources to mitigate the effects of a natural disaster along with USAID’s BHA.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston  –  

Readiness U.S. Army Chief Of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley has made it clear this is the No. 1 priority. Active engagement with partner nation armies is key in remaining ready to meet the ever-changing challenges of today and tomorrow.

U.S. Army South, the Army service component command to U.S. Southern Command, knows well the benefits of strong partnerships as displayed during the 7th annual U.S.- Colombia bilateral army-to-army staff talks in Bogota, Colombia April 11-14.

“The most important aspect of these talks is the relationships that we’ve built and fostered between our two great armies,” said U.S. Maj. Gen. K.K. Chinn, U.S. Army South commander. “I’m always excited to come down here, not only because of the friendship, but more importantly to see all the good things the Colombian army is doing for its nation, its soldiers and for its army overall.”

The U.S. Army Staff Talks Program serves as a bilateral forum for strategic-level discussion between respective armies. The program seeks to promote bilateral efforts in order to develop professional partnerships and increase interaction between partner nation armies.

U.S. Army South’s engagement focus with the Colombian army at the operational level includes four primary areas: strengthening capabilities to defeat terrorist threats, countering transnational organized crime, enabling key capabilities to facilitate the transition of the Colombian army to an enduring post-conflict environment and supporting its transformation to an interoperable global strategic partner.

“This was a very good opportunity for the Colombian army,” said Colombian Gen. Alberto Jose Mejia, army commander. “It’s an honor to host these staff talks, especially during this precise point in our history in which our army is going through many changes.”

Army South, as the Army’s executive agent, engages in annual bilateral staff talks with Colombia, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador and Peru. During these talks, the U.S. Army works to develop agreed-to-actions with our staff talks partners in an effort to work together in the future toward common goals. Army-to-army staff talks can include anything from joint engineer projects, exchange programs between elite military schools, subject matter expert exchanges, doctrine exchanges, research and development cooperation and working together in simulated exercises.

After signing the official agreement, Chinn said he was pleased with the end result.

“These army-to-army staff talks are a testament of Colombia’s strong, professional army that is capable and has continued to protect the people of Colombia,” Chinn said. “The Colombian army provides stability and economic growth, allowing it to be a role model as a professional army and an example for the region in defeating emerging threats, exporting security, transformation, working with interagency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and leader development.”

Though the agreed-to-actions are the focus of the meetings, Chinn said the staff talks are about something much bigger.

“It’s an opportunity for us to build relationships and trust with each other as we look at emerging challenges and threats throughout the region,” Chinn said. “What’s important is that if an emerging challenge occurs, we feel comfortable enough to pick up the phone and call each other, and we have a teammate or friend on the other side of the phone who asks ‘how can we help?’”

According to Mejia, trust with your partners is key to ensuring the staff talks process is successful in making better Armies for both nations.

“Throughout these talks, I’m very candid in expressing my views and sharing our knowledge,” Mejia said. “Presenting not only our strengths, but also our weaknesses is the only way you can identify ways to help each other. If I pretend that everything is fantastic in our army, we wouldn’t achieve our goal of  excellence.”

Taking part in this year’s bilateral staff talks with Colombia was Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston Jr., adjutant general of the South Carolina National Guard that routinely partners with the Colombian military as part of the state partnership program.

Livingston said the exchange of information is truly a two-way street, as the U.S. Army has much it can learn from its Colombian counterpart.

“We enjoyed the exchange of information,” Livingston said. “We have a lot to learn from their great successes and there are some things that we may be able to share. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our two armies to continue to make history for this region of the world.”

After the closing ceremony for these 7th annual bilateral staff talks, leaders from each army shared handshakes and hugs with their partner nation counterparts. Mejia closed out with a few parting remarks as the room stood silent, hinged on his every word.

“The formality of this meeting and the active participation that you’ve seen here is a demonstration of respect, a demonstration of how we honor the U.S. Army and U.S. Army South, but especially the level of friendship and confidence that we all have in Major General Chinn and his great team,” Mejia said. “When you think of the hemisphere, remember that here in this corner of South America, in Colombia, you have a trusted partner, a trusted army and trusted Soldiers who would go with you any place, anytime.”

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston  –  

Guatemalan and U.S. forces stood side by side in formation during a ceremony to open a joint-foreign military humanitarian civic assistance exercise called Beyond the Horizon April 7 in San Marcos, Guatemala.

Nestled between lush, green fields scattered with grazing cows, a variety of military vehicles displayed in an arch formation showcased some

Guatemalan army equipment.

Nearby, Soldiers from the Guatemalan Mountain Brigade demonstrated their capabilities as they repelled from trees and across ropes as different colors of smoke wafted through the air. A military band played ceremonial music and the Color Guard, which included flags from both nations, marched to the center of the field.

Speakers took turns with translations shifting from Spanish to English for an audience that included the Guatemalan Minister of Defense and a number of other Guatemalan government cabinet members, as well as senior ranking military officials from both countries.

“This will be a tremendous achievement and proof that partnerships do work,” said Brig. Gen. Richard Torres, Army South deputy commanding general, formally kicking off the 15-week event that began in March. “Thanks to the relationships built and sustained with our Guatemalan partners through previous exercises and operations, we are able to build upon our training and interaction to enhance security and stability in the region.”

Beyond the Horizon is a U.S. Southern Command joint training exercise that takes place annually in designated countries.

As the land service component to SOUTHCOM and the lead executive agent, U.S. Army South works closely with partner nation armies in Central and South America and the Caribbean to strengthen security cooperation throughout the Western hemisphere.

The planning for

Beyond the Horizon 2016 in Guatemala began about 18 months earlier, according to planners who said sharing knowledge and skills and working together helps enhance partner nation capacity and the ability to respond collectively to real-world threats.

Active, Reserve and National Guard forces are taking part, as well as participants from Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Canada. The majority of the U.S. participants rotate for several weeks at a time but there are also some long-term duration staff.

Plans for this exercise include the completion of five engineering projects – three medical clinics and two schools, giving service members from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marines and Guatemalan forces the opportunity to work together with governmental and non-governmental agencies.

But Dr. Marylin de Sosa, Guatemalan Ministry of Health international cooperation coordinator saw the exercise as a much more important opportunity for her country.

“There are problems in Guatemala because of corruption,” de Sosa said. “We want to change that, but we can’t do it alone. There are too many infrastructure and equipment problems and we can’t fix everything quickly. But the population requires that we fix problems as quickly as we can because there are people dying. We are very thankful for the help that’s being offered through this program, especially the medical centers and all the equipment that’s going to be in there as well.”

In addition to the planned construction projects, this Beyond the Horizon exercise includes three medical assistance events that will provide public health and preventative medicine, adult and pediatric medicine, medical education, immunizations, and nutritional counseling as well as dentistry to remote communities. Medical providers are prepared to treat up to 1,000 patients a day at each location.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

PUERTO CORTES, Honduras  –  

PUERTO CORTES, Honduras — Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) arrived in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, July 27, 2024, as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2024.

Medical professionals from Burlington will be visiting four different sites during this visit including a joint medical brigade with the Honduran military at Franklin Delano Roosevelt School and subject matter expert exchanges at Puerto Cortes Hospital. Along with those events, U.S. Navy biomedical technicians will work with Honduran practitioners to assess and repair medical equipment.

“We’re excited to work with the military of Honduras, their medical professionals, their veterinary professionals, and see in what ways we can help the Honduran people,” said Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Smith, mission commander for Continuing Promise 2024.

Continuing Promise 2024 comes equipped to provide treatment not only to human patients, but to their animal companions as well. A U.S. Army veterinary team will be working with Honduran veterinary professionals to share knowledge and experience on providing treatment and vaccinations.

“The things that we’ve been learning thus far on the Continuing Promise mission are two-fold,” said Maj. Crystal Lindaberry, a U.S. Army veterinary clinical specialist and Continuing Promise 2024 veterinary officer-in-charge from the 248th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support. “It’s given us a chance to hone the skills that we need on our military medical side. It’s also been learning about the tropical diseases they have here and how the doctors here approach and cure them, because we don’t see a lot of these diseases at home.”

Being able to provide medical care in emergency situations is an important part of the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) initiative of Continuing Promise 2024, as U.S. Department of Defense personnel will train and exchange knowledge alongside personnel from the Permanent Contingency Commission of Honduras (COPECO) and non-government organization partners such as Pacific Disaster Group and Pacific Response Group.

Women, Peace, and Security is a major UN initiative aimed at promoting and understanding the disproportionate amount of violence women face globally. Continuing Promise is committed to supporting the initiative with two multi-day seminars at Ciudad Mujer, bringing together decision-makers and representatives of organizations to provide the community with the information and tools to combat gender-based violence and inequality.

U.S. Navy construction personnel, known as “Seabees,” will provide construction and engineering support at Ciudad Mujer, where they will be extending a concrete pad for ambulance offload and repairing an awning to provide shade for children at the site’s playground.

“My expectation is that my team should be able to get everything done in the time allotted,” said Builder 1st Class Gabriel Murga Altan, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, “I’m expecting that it’s going to be an improvement to the center and allow it to keep providing the services that it provides the patients.”

The U.S. Fleet Forces Band, called “Uncharted Waters,” will have multiple performances at schools around the Cortes Department.

Continuing Promise 2024 will be in Puerto Cortes and San Pedro Sula from July 27 until August 4.

USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability. Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet at https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil, https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

VALPARAISO, VALPARAíSO, CHILE  –  

U.S. Marine Corps forces joined with 24 other nations to commence UNITAS LXV, the 65th iteration of the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise here on Sept. 2, 2024.

UNITAS is an annual exercise conducted in either the Atlantic or Pacific waters around Central America and South America. UNITAS brings like-minded Allies and partners from around the world to strengthen relationships, enhance interoperability and facilitate collective defense and global security.

“UNITAS is a testament to our shared commitment to maritime security with our partners and allies.” said Brig. Gen. Omar J. Randall, Deputy Commander for U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve.

Randall serves as the deputy littoral warfare commander for this year’s UNITAS. The littoral warfare command (LWC) is a multinational task group comprised of U.S. and partner nation Marine Corps and naval infantries from 12 countries. For UNITAS the LWC arrayed its forces across expeditionary advanced bases to support the combined maritime task force commander. The LWC is based on the U.S. Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept and U.S. Navy’s composite warfare commander construct and was adapted for UNITAS. This is also the first time this form of expeditionary warfare is being employed in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

“UNITAS is a testament to our shared commitment to maritime security with our partners and allies”.Brig. Gen. Omar J. Randall, Deputy Commander for U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve

“In addition to experimenting with EABO (command and control) in a multinational construct, we are working alongside our partner marines to refine those skills that make us uniquely suited to operate in the littorals and respond to crisis from the sea.” said Randall. “Moreover, exercising those skills in UNITAS showcases why Marines remain an indispensable part of the naval expeditionary force.”

The U.S. and partner nation marine corps will conduct a range of operations from their EABs to include combined live-fire drills to increase interoperability, light armored vehicle operations, aviation operations, reconnaissance operations and amphibious raids.

This year includes the exercise of EABOs, a form of expeditionary warfare that involves the employment of mobile, low-signature, persistent and relatively easy to maintain and sustain naval expeditionary forces from a series of austere, temporary locations ashore in order to conduct sea denial, support sea control or enable fleet sustainment.

The nations contributing marine and naval infantry forces to UNITAS LXV include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, the United States and Uruguay.

Hosted by the Chilean navy this year, UNITAS LXV will bring together approximately 4,300 personnel, 19 surface warships, two submarines and 23 aircraft. The forces will comprise a combined task force, Multinational Force UNITAS.

U.S. Marine Corps forces participating include 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment; 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment; 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion; 4th Reconnaissance Battalion; Combat Logistic Regiments 4; 2nd Battalion, 14th Marines; Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234; Marine Wing Communications Squadron 48; Marine Aircraft Control Group – 48; and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112.

UNITAS LXV promotes a secure and unified maritime environment, underscoring the enduring promise of partnership and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. UNITAS, which means “unity” in Latin, is a demonstration of the U.S.’s commitment to the region and strong partnerships.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South is the U.S. Marine Corps component of U.S. Southern Command, responsible for building and maintaining relationships with allies and partner nations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The command builds capabilities and capacity with like-minded democratic nations through a range of military engagements and other security cooperation events to demonstrate the value and utility of the Navy and Marine Corps team through joint and mutually supporting operations and engagements. Cultivated partnerships across the region promote the rule of law, which is essential for security, stability, economic prosperity, and personal liberty. Additionally, strong partnerships, shared knowledge, and joint and multinational interoperability enables burden sharing and crisis response while strengthening common defense, fostering stability, and defeating threats.

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WHO WE ARE: Marine Forces South is the U.S. Marine Corps component of U.S. Southern Command, responsible for building partnerships to counter threats and increase interoperability in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. We build capabilities, capacity and readiness with key partner nations through a range of military engagements and other security cooperation events to demonstrate the value and utility of the Navy and Marine Corps team. We cultivate partnerships across the region to promote the rule of law, which is essential for security, stability, economic prosperity, and personal liberty.

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Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

IQUIQUE, Chile  –  

More than 600 military personnel from the Chilean, Argentinian, and the United States armies are set to participate in Exercise Southern Fenix 24, a multinational exercise focused on enhancing interoperability for multi-domain operations in the Atacama Desert of Chile from Aug. 27 to Sept. 5, 2024.

SF24 will be the first U.S. Army-led exercise to deploy the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System platform within the U.S. Southern Command area of operations, pioneering new warfighting concepts in collaboration with the Chilean Army.

This landmark exercise aims to enhance technical and procedural interoperability between the Chilean and U.S. Armies while fostering stronger hemispheric cooperation and collaboration. The activities conducted during SF24 are aligned with the SOUTHCOM Campaign Plan and the U.S. National Defense Strategy, contributing to the broader objective of strengthening security and defense partnerships throughout the region.

SF24 will involve the deployment of approximately 200 U.S. Army personnel, to include Soldiers from U.S. Army South, 11th Airborne Division, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade, Joint Task Force Bravo, Joint Communications Support Element, Texas Army National Guard, the Utah Army National Guard, the New York National Guard, linguist support and the Inter-American Air Force Academy. These U.S. forces will train alongside over 300 Chilean Army personnel assigned to the 6th Division, as well as representatives from the Argentine military.

The exercise will include the expeditionary deployment of a M142 HIMARS section and fire direction center, as well as a U.S. Army Airborne company. Key training events will feature a combine forceable entry; airfield seizure; HIMARS rapid integration; reception, staging, onward movement and integration; and a combined field training exercise culminating in two live-fire exercises — one with maneuver and one with rocket artillery forces.

SF24 represents a critical opportunity for all participating nations to refine their operational capabilities, demonstrating the power of their combined forces and their commitment to ensuring regional security and stability.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas  –  

U.S. and Chilean army delegations gathered at the U.S. Army South headquarters at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston for the 19th annual bilateral staff talks executive committee meeting to discuss their partnership and sign a renewed agreed-to-action on Aug. 27, 2024.

The U.S. Army Staff Talks Program provides a bilateral forum for strategic discussions between respective armies, fostering professional partnerships and enhancing collaboration between partner nations.

“Through senior-level engagements, numerous conferences, exchanges, and exercises that members of our teams have throughout the year, we will continue to strengthen our bond, improve combined readiness, and increase regional security,” said Maj. Gen. Phil Ryan, U.S. Army South commanding general. “The history and strength of our relationship is evident in our success and accomplishments, and these bilateral staff talks have and will continue to serve as a proven mechanism to forge our armies’ robust relationship.”

The staff talks covered a range of topics, including military exchanges, doctrine, training, and technology, all focused on interoperability and expanding combined capabilities..

At the conclusion of the meeting, Ryan, along with Chilean army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Pino Riquelme, signed a 106-point ATA extending the security cooperation partnership between the nations through 2027.

The actions agreed upon ranged from educational opportunities at Army institutions, such as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation; professional exchanges, such as liaison officer positions at U.S. Army South and U.S. Army Pacific; to bilateral and multinational training exercises like PANAMAX, Southern Vanguard, and Southern Fenix, along with numerous other engagements and exchanges.

As the delegations presented and discussed their past, current, and future exercise schedules, Pino noted that the upcoming training plans between the countries were optimal and reaffirmed Chile’s commitment to their security cooperation partnership.

“We remain committed to the alliance we have with the U.S. Army, and we consider our partnership vital in achieving the objectives that both of our countries and armies see as challenges,” Pino said. “As we affirmed in the various presentations and discussions, the shared understanding, cooperation, collaboration, and friendship we have continue to yield outcomes that bring us closer together.”

While the army-to-army staff talk was underway in Texas, exercise Southern Fenix 24, a product of a past ATA aimed at enhancing technical and procedural, multi-domain interoperability between the U.S. and Chilean armies, was taking place in the Atacama Desert, Antofagasta, Chile.

Simultaneously, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Charles Brown Jr., and Gen. Laura Richardson, U.S. Southern Command commanding general, were in Chile meeting with the Chilean Minister of Defense, Maya Fernandez Allende, to discuss bilateral security cooperation and attend the South American Defense Conference.

Ryan noted that the sentiment Pino expressed was mutual and expressed his admiration for the Chilean army’s rigorous training and education programs, noting that he is looking forward to what they can learn from each other.

“As our armies continue to cooperate to ensure regional security, they also serve as an example to other nations of how successful partnerships between strong democratic nations are formed,” Ryan said. “With the discussions today, and the 106 agreements we’ve just made, I hope we continue to develop our partnership, friendship, and, most importantly, our interoperability to defend the Western Hemisphere.”

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

VALPARAISO, Chile  –  

VALPARAISO, Chile – Navy and Marine forces arrived in Valparaiso in support of UNITAS LXV (65), the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise in the world, which officially commenced September 2, 2024. 
 
The Chilean navy is hosting this year’s UNITAS, which will feature 17 warships/vessels, two submarines, 20 aircraft (fixed wing/helicopter), and more than 4,300 personnel from 24 partner nations. Forces will conduct operations off the coast of Valparaiso, Chile, and ashore in the vicinity of Puerto Aldea, Chile, through September 12. 

Rear Adm. Rich Lofgren provided opening remarks as U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4^th Fleet Deputy Commander, addressing the opportunities to build relationships ashore, including subject matter exchanges, operations briefs, and a Women, Peace, and Security symposium. Creating these spaces to build relationships on shore will pay dividends at during the at-sea phase of the exercise and beyond.

“Sailors go to sea,” Lofgren added. “I look forward with great excitement to joining you at sea, as we conduct combined and joint operations. We will enhance our capabilities and improve our interoperability in these maritime events – together. Make no mistake, all of us will work hard the next 12 days. But we will communicate effectively – together. We will operate effectively – together. And we will overcome obstacles – together.”
 
UNITAS, which is Latin for unity, united, or oneness, was conceived in 1959 when representatives at the first Inter-American Naval Conference in Panama agreed to conduct an annual maritime exercise with one another. Prior to UNITAS I in 1960, U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Arleigh Burke reviewed preparations for the multinational exercise. He commended planners for their progress, especially in building compatible communication systems among navies, and predicted that UNITAS would build strong relationships among Sailors of the Western Hemisphere.  
 
UNITAS I took place in 1960 with forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, the United States, and Venezuela. This year marks the 65th iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise.  
 
Including the United States, UNITAS LXV will bring together 24 nations from all over the world to train forces in joint maritime operations that enhance tactical proficiency and increase interoperability. Participating nations include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay. 
 
Following the UNITAS LXV Opening Ceremony on September 2, the in-port phase of the exercise will feature subject matter expert exchanges, professional symposia, ship rider exchanges, and operations meetings. During this time, Marines and Sailors will conduct training events in Valparaiso to include medical, cyber defense, and diving and salvage operations. 
 
During the UNITAS LXV Underway Phase, forces will participate in events testing all warfare operations, to include live-fire exercises such as a SINKEX and an amphibious ship-to-shore landing and force withdrawal. 
 
Unmanned and hybrid fleet systems will return for a second year to UNITAS with the presence of unmanned undersea vehicles. As part of the U.S. Navy’s future hybrid fleet, the Chief of Naval Operations has tasked U.S. 4th Fleet to scale unmanned platforms to the fleet level.   
 
There are many U.S. forces participating in UNITAS LXV, including USS Germantown (LSD 42), USS St Louis (LCS 19), and USS Hampton (SSN 767). Other U.S. participants include Patrol Squadron Five (VP 5); Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EOD) 2; Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (MCMGRU TWO); Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 Detachment 4 (HSM 50 Det 4); 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (2/7); 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment (1/24); 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (4th LAR); 4th Reconnaissance Battalion (4th Recon); Combat Logistic Regiment 4 (CLR 4); 2nd Battalion, 14th Marines (2/14); Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234); Marine Wing Communications Squadron 48 (MWCS-48); Marine Aircraft Control Group – 48 (MACG-48); Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112); U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) Pacific Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET); and USCG Maritime Security Response Team East (MSRTE) Direct Action Section. Operational and tactical level leadership will be provided by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 40, (COMDESRON 40); Commander, Amphibious Squadron Seven (COMPHIBRON SEVEN); U.S Marine Corps Forces South (MARFORSOUTH); USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT; and U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM).  
 
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. 
 
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South is the Marine Corps component to U.S. Southern Command, is responsible for planning exercises, operations, and overall Marine Corps support for the SOUTHCOM assigned area of responsibility.