DoD Support to Haiti
The Department of Defense is providing support to the re-establishment of security at Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport security and Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission preparation efforts.
Tradewinds 2024
Tradewinds 2024, hosted by Barbados May 4-16, 2024, is a Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional training exercise focused on the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains.
Southern Seas 2024: USS George Washington Deploys to Engage with South American Partners
USS George Washington (CVN 73), along with USS Porter (DDG 78) and USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189), are scheduled to conduct passing exercises and operations at sea with partner nation maritime forces during the "Southern Seas 2024" deployment.
Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC 24)
Defense and public-security leaders from the United States and Central America gathered in Guatemala for this year’s Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC) and discussed utilizing innovations to protect borders in all domains.
SOUTHCOM Commander Testifies Before House and Senate Armed Services Committees
Info and resources on SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Laura Richardson's testimony before the House Armed Services Committee March 12, and Senate Armed Services Committee March 14.

LATEST NEWS AND RELEASES

U.S. Army South, joint force and multinational planners prepare for Exercise PANAMAX 2024 with crisis planning conference
Maj. Gen. William L. Thigpen, U.S. Army South’s commanding general, addresses joint force and multinational planners during the Multinational Forces-South Planning in Crisis conference, April 22, at the Estancia del Norte San Antonio Hotel. Hosted by the U.S. Army, the conference enabled planners to enhance interoperability and prepare for Exercise PANAMAX 2024, slated for August.
May 13, 2024 - U.S. Army South hosted Joint Force planners and military representatives from five South American countries for a crisis planning conference at the Estancia del Norte San Antonio Hotel from April 22-26 in preparation for Exercise PANAMAX 2024.
TRADEWINDS 24 begins with opening ceremony
U.S. Army and Barbados Defence Force leaderships stand with the participating countries at the opening ceremony on Camp Paragon, Barbados, during the TRADEWINDS 24 on May 4, 2024. TW24 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, regionally oriented annual exercise and is part of the Joint Chief of Staff’s Large Scale Global Exercise 24, a series of all-domain military exercises executed alongside Allies and partners around the globe. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by 1st Sgt. Emily Anderson)
May 9, 2024 - The flags of 26 nations were ceremoniously unfurled at Paragon Army Base, marking the official commencement of TRADEWINDS 24 in Barbados on May 4, 2024.
U.S. Southern Command Strategy, Policy, and Plans Director Visits Guyana
May 9, 2024 - U.S. Marine Corps Major General (MajGen) Julie Nethercot, U.S. Southern Command Strategy, Policy, and Plans Director, visited Guyana May 6-8. The Strategy, Policy, and Plans Directorate at U.S. Southern Command oversees strategic planning, policy development, and security cooperation coordination for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Kentucky National Guard Partner Ecuador Receives C-130H
Ecuadorian Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Flores, left, liaison to the U.S. Embassy, speaks to Kentucky Air National Guard leaders before a ceremony welcoming the arrival of a C-130H Hercules to the Ecuadorian Air Force in Latacunga, Ecuador, March 25, 2024. The ceremony marked a new milestone in Ecuador’s participation in the National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, which has paired Ecuador and the Kentucky National Guard for mutual military cooperation.
May 6, 2024 - The Ecuadorian Air Force welcomed a C-130H Hercules into its inventory during a ceremony attended by Kentucky Air National Guard leaders who were on hand to congratulate their State Partnership Program colleagues on the new capability.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active returns home from Eastern Pacific patrol; one life saved, $50.8M worth of cocaine interdicted
The USCGC Active (WMEC 618) crew rescue a solo sailor stranded on a disabled vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean near the Galapagos Islands, Apr. 13, 2024. Active’s crew diverted over 200 nautical miles at high speed to conduct the search and rescue operation for the sailor whose sailboat was disabled and adrift at sea after a pod of whales damaged the boat. U.S. Coast Guard photo by U.S. Navy Midshipman Caden Dale.
May 3, 2024 - PORT ANGELES, Wash. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618) and crew returned home to Port Angeles Friday after completing a 54-day multi-mission patrol in support of a Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S) counternarcotics patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James Visits Buenos Aires, Argentina
Coast Guard Capt. Donald Terkanian, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) presents a gift to the President of Argentina Javier Milei aboard the James at the Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 29, 2024. Terkanian gave Milei a painting of the James and a bottle of barbeque sauce that is made in South Carolina, homeport of the James. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Logan Kaczmarek)
May 1, 2024 - The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) and its crew arrived April 29 at the Port of Buenos Aires. This visit marks a significant moment in the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Argentina, aimed at enhancing maritime security and combating illicit activities at sea. During this visit, the crew will also conduct joint drills on the high seas with their Argentine counterparts, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of this mission.
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PHOTOS

A look at Department of Defense support to the Haiti airport security and Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission preparation efforts, as of 3:00 pm EDT, May, 13, 2024.
A look at Department of Defense support to the Haiti airport security and Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission preparation efforts, as of 3:00 pm EDT, May, 10, 2024.
A U.S. Marine shoots a pistol.
A U.S. Marine kneels in the foreground as he looks toward a helicopter in the background
U.S. Marines load gear onto a military helicopter.
U.S. Marines in the foreground move toward a helicopter in the background.
Three military vessels in a line at sea.
A Barbados Coast Guard member shoots a rifle.
A Barbados Coast Guard member shoots a rifle at a floating target off a ship.
A U.S. Coast Guardsman fires a pistol.
U.S. Marines mark holes on a pistol range target.
A man instructs a group of military students in a classroom.
Service members from the St. Lucia Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, group and zero their weapons in Barbados, during TRADEWINDS 24 (TW24) on May 4, 2024
Netherlands marines with the Marines Squadron Caribbean conduct a dynamic range in Barbados, during TRADEWINDS 24 (TW24) on May 4, 2024.
A 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldier provides weapons and marksmanship instruction to a Mexican marine in Barbados, during TRADEWINDS 24 (TW24) on May 4, 2024.
A Netherlands marine, assigned to the Marine Corps Squadron Caribbean, removes the magazine of his Colt C7/8 rifle in Barbados, during TRADEWINDS 24 (TW24) on May 4, 2024.
A Netherlands marine, assigned to the Marine Corps Squadron Caribbean, fires a Colt C7/8 rifle in Barbados, during TRADEWINDS 24 (TW24) on May 4, 2024.
A 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldier gives a weapons range safety brief to members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in Barbados, during TRADEWINDS 24 (TW24) on May 4, 2024.
Distinguished visitors from the U.S. Army and Barbados Defence force pose for a photo at the opening ceremony of exercise TRADEWINDS 24 at Paragon Base, Barbados, May 4, 2024.
Barbados Defence Force Chief of Staff, Commodore Errington Shurland, speaks at the opening ceremony of TRADEWINDS 24 (TW24) at Paragon Base, Barbados, May 4, 2024.
Kevin Bostick, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) director of J7/9 exercises and coalition affairs, speaks to participants of TRADEWINDS 24 (TW24) during the opening ceremony at Paragon Base, Barbados, May 4, 2024.
Texas Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Monnie Ulis, U.S. Army South deputy commanding general, speaks to participants of TRADEWINDS 24 (TW24) during the opening ceremony at Paragon Base, Barbados, May 4, 2024
Service members from 26 participating nations render honors to distinguished visitors at the opening ceremony of TRADEWINDS 24 (TW24) at Paragon Base, Barbados, May 4, 2024.
Crews from the USCGC Active (WMEC 618) and Mexican SEMAR conduct a personnel transfer while Active patrols the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Apr. 24, 2024. Active regularly patrols the waters off southern Mexico and Central America, working with partner nations to combat transnational organized crime in the Western Hemisphere, specifically the smuggling of narcotics. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brenton Kludt.
The USCGC Active (WMEC 618) crew rescue a solo sailor stranded on a disabled vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean near the Galapagos Islands, Apr. 13, 2024. Active’s crew diverted over 200 nautical miles at high speed to conduct the search and rescue operation for the sailor whose sailboat was disabled and adrift at sea after a pod of whales damaged the boat. U.S. Coast Guard photo by U.S. Navy Midshipman Caden Dale.
Coast Guard Capt. Donald Terkanian, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) greets the Vice President of Argentina Victoria Villarruel aboard the James at the Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 30, 2024
Coast Guard Capt. Donald Terkanian, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) greets the Vice President of Argentina Victoria Villarruel aboard the James at the Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 30, 2024.
Coast Guard Capt. Donald Terkanian, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) presents a gift to the President of Argentina Javier Milei aboard the James at the Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 29, 2024
The Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) arrives at the Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 29, 2024. James made a scheduled port visit during Operation Southern Cross 2024
USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrives at the Naval Station Mayport.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrives at the Naval Station Mayport.
Jamaican firefighters receive the “Top Country Performers” Award for the Firefighter Challenge Obstacle Course at the CENTAM SMOKE Closing Ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras April 26, 2024. The team averaged a time of two minutes and 43 seconds for the course, which consisted of techniques and procedures on hose advancements up two stories, nozzle control, vehicle extrication, rescue operations and carrying a 150-pound mannequin.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) pulls into Naval Station Mayport.
A photo of firefighters putting out a fire.
A photo of a firefighter smashing a window.
A sailor is seen from behind and below holding a cap while standing at attention. A large, light blue flag with gold stars flutters above the sailor.
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024.
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024.
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024.
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024.
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) departs Naval Station Norfolk.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) departs Naval Station Norfolk.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) departs Naval Station Norfolk.
Pallets of oral hydration fluid are loaded onto a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
Pallets of oral hydration fluid are loaded onto a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
Pallets of oral hydration fluid are loaded onto a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
Pallets of oral hydration fluid sit in a warehouse in Doral, Fla. April 23, 2024, prior to transport to Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
A photo of two service members shaking hands.
A photo of a service member talking to a crowd.

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Gen. Laura J. Richardson bio photo

Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson is the commander of U.S. Southern Command. She assumed command Oct. 29, 2021.

Gen. Richardson's Bio

 

TEAM SOUTHCOM button. Links to Team SOUTHCOM page.

A Network of Mutual Support: Total Engagement for All Members of U.S. Southern Command, or TEAM SOUTHCOM, is a command-sponsored organization that aims to support command service members, civilians and family members -- in South Florida and assigned throughout the region.