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News | Nov. 24, 2021

SOUTHCOM Commander Visits Brazil

By U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs Office

MIAMI (Nov. 24, 2021) – U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, visited Brazil this week where she met with military leaders to discuss regional security and the growing defense partnership between the Western Hemisphere’s two largest democracies.

Brazil and the United States share a close bilateral security relationship. Both nations work together on a wide range of partnership activities such as research and development, information exchanges, training and education, joint military exercises, cyber security, and the peaceful use of space.

The Nov. 22-24 visit was Richardson’s first trip to Brazil since assuming command Oct. 29. SOUTHCOM’s delegation included Civilian Deputy to the Commander, Francisco (Paco) Palmieri, and Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Jones.

On Nov. 23 in Brasilia, Richardson met with Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto to discuss regional security and continued defense cooperation. The general also held discussions with Brazil's Chief of the Joint Armed Forces Staff, Gen. Laerte de Souza Santos, with talks focused on security cooperation and opportunities to increase military-to-military engagements.

Later on the 23rd, Richardson and Jones hosted a discussion with Brazilian military personnel to hear their thoughts on the roles of women in security and implementation of the UN’s Women, Peace and Security initiative. SOUTHCOM is committed to advancing Women, Peace and Security aims in the region and routinely takes part in such engagements to promote increased roles for women in military and security sectors.

On Nov. 24 in Manaus, Richardson visited Brazil’s Amazon Military Command to learn more about their mission in the State of Amazonas and how the command supports regional security efforts. The command hosts the nation’s jungle warfare units, including the world-renowned International Jungle Operations Course that has provided training to thousands of international students, including U.S. service members.

The general also visited the Brazilian Navy’s NAsH Soares de Meirelles Hospital Ship which provides healthcare along the Amazon River. Brazil has routinely included U.S. Navy doctors on hospital ships to take part in their tropical support missions.

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