QUITO, Ecuador (Sept. 14, 2022) -- Gen. Nelson Proaño, commander Ecuador’s armed forces, addresses attendees during the opening ceremony of the South American Defense Conference 2022 (SOUTHDEC 22). U.S. Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, joined defense leaders from 10 nations to discuss security challenges and regional cooperation during SOUTHDEC 22, hosted by Ecuador Sept. 14-15, 2022. (Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Caruso, U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs)