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.
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.
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.
U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson visited Argentina April 2-6 where she met with Argentine President Javier Milei and senior defense leaders to strengthen the U.S.-Argentina defense partnership.
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. 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.

Multinational Firefighting Teams Train Together During CENTAM Smoke
CENTAM SMOKE participants from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Jamaica and the 612th Air Base Squadron, Joint Task Force-Bravo, stand together at the closing ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 26, 2024. During the week-long exercise, participants learned vehicle extrication, rescue tactics, techniques and procedures, and structural live fire training.
April 29, 2024 - The multinational exercise CENTAM SMOKE ended with a closing ceremony awarding the five participating countries’ firefighters at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 26, 2024.

Statement: U.S. Military Aircraft delivers much-needed medicine and medical supplies to Haiti
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. This humanitarian aid, contributed by NGOs including Hope to Haiti, Medicine for All People International, and Lift Logistics, was delivered to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, under the coordination of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) through the Denton Program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)
April 27, 2024 - As the effort continues to support a more stable and prosperous Haiti, the U.S. Southern Command coordinated another U.S. Air Force C-130 flight this morning into Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti with a Denton Program humanitarian aid delivery. This is the fourth flight facilitated to the PAP international airport this week, an important step toward the resumption of regular air traffic in Haiti.

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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.