Category: Southern Command

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

Russian warships have been making port visits to Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, and 22 nations in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility have signed on to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the commander of Southcom told attendees of the Aspen Security Forum.

Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson said the nations that have signed on to the Chinese initiative don’t see the investments the U.S. has been making in their countries. 

“All they see are the Chinese cranes,” she said. “These projects are in the billions of dollars. … They are big-time projects.” 

Richardson said it would be OK with her if those investments were for doing good in the hemisphere. “But it makes me a little suspicious when it’s in the critical infrastructure.” 

Critical infrastructure, she said, includes deep-water ports, cybersecurity, energy and space.

“I worry about the dual use nature of that. These are state-owned enterprises by a communist government. I worry about the flipping of that to a military application,” Richardson said, referring to China. 

Southcom’s No. 1 teammate working in the various countries in the region are U.S. ambassadors, but some nations are without a U.S. ambassador because many have not been confirmed in a timely manner, leaving, she said.  

“We have an absolute connective tissue with all of our U.S. ambassadors in the region.” 

Besides U.S. ambassadors, others that Southcom partners with to increase U.S. influence in the region include the Commerce Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, NASA, the Inter-American Development Bank, the American Chambers of Commerce, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and human rights and nongovernmental organizations, the general said.

“I really believe that economic security and national security go hand in hand here in this hemisphere, and we have got to work both of them together very, very quickly,” she said. 

Regarding the Russian port visits, Richardson said U.S. vessels have been shadowing those vessels to ensure the safety and security of the United States. 

Also, the Russians continue to make high-level government visits to Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua with their foreign affairs minister and the head of the Russian legislative body, she said, adding that the U.S. could be doing more in its own government exchanges.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

KINGSTON, Jamaica — U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2024 mission held a ceremony in front of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) commemorating the official transfer of medical supplies and hurricane relief donations from the mission on behalf of several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to the government of Jamaica. This ceremony was done in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy, Jamaica and held at Kingston Wharves.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2024 mission held a ceremony in front of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) commemorating the official transfer of medical supplies and hurricane relief donations from the mission on behalf of several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to the government of Jamaica. This ceremony was done in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy, Jamaica and held at Kingston Wharves.

Continuing Promise Mission Commander Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Smith and U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nick Perry represented the U.S. delegation turning over the supplies to the government of Jamaica, which was represented by Dr. Nicole Dawkins -Wright, Director of Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services for the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I am pleased to accept the donation of medical equipment and supplies,” said Dr. Dawkins-Wright “The healthcare team is delighted to receive the donated items, which they will make best use of in carrying out their duty of care to the Jamaican people.”

The donations presented by Continuing Promise 2024 were able to to be transported due to the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Denton Humanitarian Assistance Program. This program allows DoD assets, such as ships, planes, and trucks, to transport humanitarian supplies donated by NGOs on a space-available basis.

The NGOs that provided the donations include Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, University of Miami, Lift, GOOD360, Food for the Poor, and CORE. In total, the donations presented at the ceremony represented over $80 thousand in supplies.

“The United States and Jamaica share a deep and enduring partnership,” said Ambassador Perry. “The Continuing Promise mission exemplifies the spirit of cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to our communities and reinforcing our commitment to regional stability and prosperity.”

Continuing Promise 2024 marks the mission’s third visit to Jamaica since 2015, making it one of the mission’s most popular destinations, which emphasizes the 62-year-long partnership the U.S. and Jamaica share. This scheduled visit also comes at a significant point for Jamaica, which felt the effects of Hurricane Beryl’s landfall on July 3.

“We believe in partnerships to help to enable the delivery of the highest quality of care to the people of Jamaica, ensuring the best possible health outcomes for all,” said Dr, Dawkins-Wright. “Today’s donation, which comes at a most opportune time post Hurricane Beryl, testifies to the value of partnerships in public health and is a most excellent example of what can come from international cooperation in health – and between two countries that have enjoyed diplomatic relations for many decades.”

After the ceremony, the official party was given a tour of USNS Burlington by the ship’s captain, Capt. Tyler Driscoll. Continuing Promise 2024 marks the 14th iteration to the region since 2007, and the second aboard Burlington. The mission aims to foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships between partner nations and NGOs.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the people of Jamaica and the Jamaica Defense Force for the opportunity to work alongside you during this mission,” said Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Smith, Continuing Promise 2024 Mission Commander. “We are confident that our shared efforts during this time will further enhance our ability to work together effectively and further strengthen the bonds between our two nations.”

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

DORAL, Fla. (July 12, 2024) – Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), and Marine Command Sgt. Maj. Rafael Rodriguez, recognized U.S. Army civilian Eric Lightfoot for being awarded the 59th annual South Florida Federal Executive Board’s Federal Employee of the Year award. 

Lightfoot was awarded in the ‘Service to the Community’ category during a ceremony June 27. He serves as SOUTHCOM’s Branch Chief of the Training & Exercise Division.

Mr. Lightfoot leads SOUTHCOM efforts related to the advancement of the highest priority joint military concepts, join doctrinal development, wargaming, training assessments, and lessons learned from the command’s operations, activities, and investments. 

The award summary highlighted many of Lightfoot’s accomplishments serving the South Florida community, including his 300 hours of mentorship for 22 high school age young men, serving Thanksgiving meals to 2,000 people, assisting 629 homeless individuals, devoting 100 hours to community clean-up activities, coordinating the donation of 200 clothing articles to young men, supporting health screenings for over 600 families, and volunteering over 20 hours to raise scholarship funds. 

The South Florida federal community includes approximately 35,000 employees in 130 federal entities, and in the previous fiscal year, only 347 individuals were nominated for the award. 

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, located in Doral, Fla., is comprised of more than 1,200 military and civilian personnel representing all U.S. military services and several other federal agencies. 

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

LA PAZ, Honduras  –  

Service members assigned to Army Forces Command, Joint Task Force-Bravo, conducted a Medical Readiness Training Exercise with Honduran Air Force medical professionals and security personnel, Red Cross, Ministry of Health, Honduran National Police, Building Minds School’s volunteer translators and local municipality representatives at La Paz, Honduras, July 1-2, 2024.

Over 475 community members were provided dental, preventative health, pharmacy and medical screening services during the 2-day event. 

In the past 12 months, JTF-Bravo’s medical professionals have treated over 8,500 patients in Central America through exercises like these, providing surgical, dental, medical and trauma care.

MEDRETEs support U.S. Southern Command’s humanitarian and civil assistance programs and build civil-military cooperation between the U.S. and our partner nations by enhancing medical training with host nation military forces, as well as government and civilian organizations. 

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

LIMA, Peru  –  

Peruvian and U.S. Airmen, along with Peruvian Coast Guardsmen, participated in a joint aeromedical evacuation training on May 30, 2024, in Lima, Peru.

The two partner nations trained on how to treat and transport injured Airmen through the sky. The AE training was coordinated by Combined Joint Task Force – Resolute Sentinel 2024 with the goal of preparing the U.S. and partner nations for providing care to patients in areas where treatment options and resources are limited.

“We are integrating with the Peruvians, and we’re all are multiple different specialties with multiple levels of experience,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Horn, 167th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills trauma surgeon. “We’re trying to execute an operational training that is useful for everyone involved from the most junior folks to the most senior folks, both American and Peruvian, all while being in locations that aren’t heavily resourced and in unfamiliar environments.”

During the training, participants were able to exercise their medical knowledge and work in tandem with the critical care air transport team. Also, it was an opportunity to showcase the medical capabilities inside the C-130J Super Hercules.

“The Peruvian Armed Forces don’t have an (automated external defibrillator) system like what we do back in the States,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Forrest Moodispaw, CJTF-RS24 lead for the aeromedical evacuation training. “We have worked with them for several years, and they have liked what we have provided in terms of knowledge. Their medics mainly operate on helicopters, but they also have C-130J capabilities and different aircraft that they can fly patients on. So, they’re wanting to take a look and see how they can better incorporate our procedures into what they do.”

While in the air, service members were able to spectate and engage different stages of evacuation care and facilitate IV administrations and blood transfusions. The Peruvian service members who participated in the training said they were excited to add a new skill set to their repository.

“I believe that this is good operational training for all of us here,” said Peruvian Air Force Capt. Syndel Rios, Las Palmas Hospital medical surgeon. “We have some experience with evacuations, but this exercise can help us improve the kind of protocol that we manage in Peru. It’s going to take more practice for our institution to improve, but we will make it possible.”

The AE training also provided ample opportunity for the Peruvian and U.S. forces to improve their communication and interconnectedness, helping push past present barriers.

“When you’re talking about working with partner nations, we all have our nuances and things that we do differently,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Courtney Adams, 167th AES. “So, an opportunity to work together outside of an austere environment or war time allows for more familiarity so that when it does come to those situations, it’s not the first time. This builds those relationships that help improve our communication and improve the general understanding of our combined capabilities so we can work cohesively.”

This is the first of many joint training opportunities scheduled in the three-week Resolute Sentinel 24 exercise, and these events highlight the strength of global alliances.

“This training and Resolute Sentinel shows how strong our total force is,” Adams said. “Not just our active duty, Guard and Reserve, but our total force with our partnered nations and what their capabilities have to integrate with us are. If I was an enemy, I would definitely think twice as there’s other nations that can quickly and effectively pair with our wonderful fighting force to help defend our shared way of life.”

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

MAYPORT, Fla.   –  

The U.S. Navy Spearhead-class fast transport ship, USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10), departed from Naval Station Mayport for Latin America and the Caribbean in support of Continuing Promise 2024.

During this iteration of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise mission, the 14th since 2007, Burlington will stop in Jamaica, Costa Rica, Honduras, Colombia, and Panama to share knowledge and provide side-by-side professional expertise with international partners.
 
“One of the major benefits of being aboard the USNS Burlington for Continuing Promise 2024 is that this ship is incredibly versatile and has the ability to conduct a variety of mission types,” said Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Smith, mission commander for Continuing Promise 2024.
 
Christened in 2018, the USNS Burlington is the tenth Spearhead-class ship. It is also the first ship in service named to honor Burlington, Vermont, the state’s largest city. The ship has an off-load ramp for vehicles to move on and off the ship and a flight deck rated to be capable of receiving U.S. Navy helicopters. Operated by a crew of 22, it is capable of transporting over 300 personnel. Of the U.S. Navy personnel onboard, there are 18 unique enlisted job specialties and 10 unique officer specialties to support eight different mission areas.
 
“The better we can learn to work together during missions such as Continuing Promise the better we can work together as we respond to the real-world challenges that will inevitably come,” said Smith.
 
The first mission stop for Burlington will be Kingston, Jamaica. While there, embarked medical personnel will work with local medical practitioners to provide enhanced direct patient care, share knowledge and expertise, and strengthen partnership between the U.S. military and Jamaican civilian and military officials.
 
“It’s important to contribute to other countries… and help out any way we can,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ricardo Maldonado, a dental technician from Navy Medical Readiness Training Command Portsmouth. While providing assistance to the dental officer onboard, he expects to put smiles on people’s faces by providing them with the medical attention they need.
 
Pharmacists, optometrists, nurses, biomedical technicians, optometrists, dentists, and general practitioners will be among the 30 U.S. Navy medical professionals sharing their expertise and working with local patients.
 
Just as in past iterations of Continuing Promise, an integral part of the mission is the United Nations’ (UN) Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiative. WPS is derived from a UN resolution signed in 2000 that recognizes women are disproportionally affected by crisis and conflict and aims to provide better support and protection to provide a safer environment in their communities.
 
“Continuing Promise 2024 will feature at least two multi-day seminars in each location discussing the prevention of gender-based violence, in addition to discussions with the military forces of each partner nation regarding women in the military as it relates to the initiative,” said Smith. “WPS is a cornerstone of the USSOUTHCOM and U.S. 4th Fleet mission because they believe that societies are more peaceful and prosperous when women and men have equal rights, liberties, dignities, and access to resources.”
 
These seminars are an important way to share knowledge on and provide tools to prevent gender-based violence and improve cooperation on stopping gender inequality.
 
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

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras  –  

U.S. Army Col. Daniel Alder assumes command of Joint Task Force-Bravo during a change of command ceremony becoming the 43rd commander of JTF-Bravo at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, June 18, 2024. 

Alder is continuing a legacy dating back to 1983 by assuming command of the U.S. military’s longest standing joint task force. 

“I started my military career in Central America, and I served in Panama, my first duty station, not knowing what my future would bring,” said Alder. “Since Panama, I have served in South America, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and most recently, the European Theater. It was for this reason, when I received this assignment to go back to Central America where I started my career, I felt excitement and anticipation.”

 Alder comes from the U.S. Special Operations Command Europe in Stuttgart, Germany. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College with over 25 years of military experience. 

The change of command ceremony is a tradition where the outgoing commander passes the guidon flag to the incoming commander signifying the assumption of command in front of the unit. 

Presiding over the ceremony was U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, U.S. Southern Command’s Commander, as attendees from the U.S. Embassy in Honduras including U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu, Honduran civic and military leaders, and Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines of JTF-Bravo witness the change of command between Alder and the outgoing JTF-Bravo Commander, U.S. Army Col. James Wiese. 

“Every member of JTF-Bravo is a gardener and as a gardener who attends to the JTF-Bravo cultural garden,” said Richardson. “JTF-Bravo has been able to live up to our motto, ‘The Partnership for the Americas.'” 

Richardson presented Wiese with the Defense Superior Service Medal for his accomplishments during his one-year assignment in command. Wiese departs JTF-Bravo for his new assignment in operations at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

“I am humbled to have been your commander,” said Wiese. “Continue your focus on taking care of the mission, taking care of each other and taking care of yourselves — as Gen. Richardson said, the Joint Task Force-Bravo cultural garden only flourishes when you constantly tend to it.”

JTF-Bravo is U.S. Southern Command’s lead forward element in the Central American region with a joint area of operations that includes seven nations, and when directed, beyond that operational area. 

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

MIAMI (Jun. 20, 2024) — U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, visited Honduras June 17-18 and met with Honduran President Xiomara Castro and other senior officials to discuss continued bilateral cooperation.

Richardson’s visit to Honduras was her fifth as SOUTHCOM commander. The trip included a visit to Joint Task Force-Bravo to preside over the task force’s change of command ceremony.

After arriving in Tegucigalpa June 17, Richardson and Ambassador Laura F. Dogu met with Castro at the Presidential House to discuss continued security cooperation, building a strong economy, and strengthening democracy.

Dogu and Richardson later met with Minister of Defense José Manuel Zelaya Rosales, General of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces of Honduras, Roosevelt Leonel Hernández Aguilar, and senior Honduran defense leaders to discuss continued cooperation and efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Honduran defense partnership.

Also on the 17^th, the general and ambassador discussed the best path to economic prosperity with key Honduran business leaders. 

Later in the day, Richardson and Dogu took part in a ceremony as the U.S. donated vehicles, body armor and equipment to Honduras’ Fuerzas Especiales Navales to bolster their efforts to counter transnational criminal organizations. The United States has a long-term commitment to the Honduran people and is always looking for opportunities to help improve their security.

On June 18, Dogu and Richardson traveled to Joint Task Force-Bravo, meeting with service members and presiding over the task force’s change of command ceremony.  The task force, operating out of the Honduran Soto Cano Air Base, has for decades strengthened regional security cooperation and supported humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in Honduras and the region.

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas  –  

In one of the military’s finest traditions, Soldiers, leaders, Families and friends of the 410th Contracting Support Brigade, welcomed back an exceptional leader and bid farewell to another during a change of command ceremony at the Fort Sam Houston Theater at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on June 11.

Col. Kenneth Bulthuis assumed command from Col. Daphne Austin in a ceremony officiated by Brig. Gen. Christine Beeler, the commanding general for the Army Contracting Command.

“Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for this great brigade,” Beeler said. “Though we will surely miss Col. Austin, the 410th CSB will continue to excel under Col. Bulthuis. I have confidence that the 410th CSB will continue to meet its challenges head on and excel at accomplishing the mission.”

Bulthuis is no stranger to the 410th CSB or ACC. He comes to the brigade from across post at the Mission and Installation Contracting Command as the strategic initiative group director. He has been a longstanding member of the ACC from Grafenwoehr, Germany to Liberia, Africa to the U.S. Army Expeditionary Contracting Command.

“The Army has a deep bench of talented leaders,” Beeler said. “Col. Bulthuis is a highly respected leader and well thought of within the acquisitions community. You can see his past assignments prepared him well to successfully navigate all the challenges of this command’s complex mission.”

After thanking Beeler for officiating the ceremony and his Family for their support throughout his 25 years of service, Bulthuis expressed his eagerness to lead the brigade.

“I’m excited, humbled, and filled with respect,” he said. “The 410th will continue to pursue flexibility, agility, and adaptability to provide mission-oriented results as the environment changes. As well as capacity, capability, and competency to meet the known and unknown.”

Following the traditional passing of organizational colors from Austin to Bulthuis, Beeler took time to reflect and commended the outgoing commander for her leadership and achievements during her time with the 410th CSB.

“It was three years ago when I hosted the last 410th change of command and welcomed Col. Austin and her family,” Beeler said. “In those three years, this team has much to be proud of. You have made the 410th into an elite and indispensable contracting force for our joint forces and partner nations throughout Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, which is absolutely critical to the security of our nation.”

The 410th CSB has the unique mission of planning and executing contingency contracting support for U.S. Army South in support of Army and Joint Operations throughout the United States Southern Command area of responsibility.

Austin led the brigade through numerous missions, exercises and contract executions since June 2021.

“Col. Austin’s initiatives enabled the organization to grow from its typical 66% to approximately 97%, resulting in the brigade’s ability to project strategic power across the region and achieve effects that extend the United States’ influence with Latin and Central American countries,” Beeler explained. “Additionally, as the Army’s senior contracting official for the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility, Col. Austin led the brigade in achieving initial operating capability for a strategic mission in support of friendly foreign countries participating in an anticipated Multinational Security Support operation in Haiti.”

Beeler continued to highlight the achievements by the brigade during Austin’s tenure which included the execution of 4,800 contract actions valued at more than $300 million, the acquisition support of over 31 countries in the region, multiple USSOUTHCOM situational assessment teams and contingency command post deployment exercises, the execution of six unit contingency contracting evaluations, the execution of six rotational to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Soto Cano Airbase, Honduras, and supporting 25 USSOUTHCOM and USARSOUTH exercises focused on joint-nation partnerships, stability and shaping events; and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Austin acknowledged the last three years at the brigade supporting USARSOUTH have been both gratifying and challenging.

“Maj. Gen. William Thigpen, and all the Army South leaders and directorates, thank you for the trust and confidence in me as the 410th CSB commander and my brigade’s ability to enable Army South’s readiness,” she said. “Over and over again, 410th CSB has been ready, as readiness shapes the Army’s ability to execute military operations and to carry out its responsibilities successfully. The 410th CSB has been ready at every turn, and we understood all the assignments we have executed very well that postured us to deliver the impacts that you needed at the time it was needed.”

Prior to the 410th CSB change of command, Beeler awarded Austin the Legion of Merit for her expertise, leadership and professionalism in the overall success of the unit’s mission directly enabling the capabilities and long-term posture.

“Thank you for your consummate leadership,” she said. “It’s evident that you have made a positive and lasting impact on this organization, on the character of every Soldier, civilian, and family member, and the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston community. This is your legacy; our command is better as a result of your leadership.”

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

MIAMI (June 14, 2024) — U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), visited Chile June 10-13 and met with top defense leaders to discuss the U.S.-Chile defense partnership.

Richardson’s visit Chile, her third as SOUTHCOM commander, underscores the longstanding defense partnership between both nations.

In Santiago on June 11, the general met with Defense Minister Maya Fernández Allende and Chilean Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Pablo Niemann Figari to discuss continued defense cooperation. She later met with Chilean Air Force leaders, including General Leonardo Romanini Gutierrez and General Luis Sáez Collantes to discuss Chile-U.S. engagement and cooperation.

Also on the 11^th, Richardson joined Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro for a panel hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Chile Bernadette Meehan that focused on the U.S. Navy’s current Southern Seas 2024 deployment to South America. The panel was attended by Chilean military, government and private sector leaders and dignitaries.

On June 12, the general and Meehan visited the Bomberos de Chile’s headquarters of the 3rd Company of San Bernardo as local leaders held a ceremony to thank the United States for donating firefighting equipment to Chile.

On the final day of her visit, Richardson met with General Javier Iturriaga Del Campo, Commander in Chief of the Chilean Army, to discuss continued bilateral engagement with both nations’ armies. Later the general joined Chilean military leaders and service members for a Women, Peace, and Security engagement and to celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the integration of women in the Chilean army.

Chile is one of the United States’ most important strategic allies in Latin America due to its excellent bilateral military relations, as well as its leadership in promoting regional security cooperation, defense collaboration, and multinational partnerships.