U.S. Southern Command Official Website

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks at a lectern on a stage to a seated audience.

Aug 13 2026

Changing the Game

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told members of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition that the U.S. is firmly committed to working alongside them to dismantle dangerous transnational criminal drug cartels.
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U.S. Marines offload disaster assistance supplies from a Landing Craft

Jun 29 2026

Support to Venezuela Earthquake Relief

U.S. military forces supported Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes.
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Three small boats are ablaze in ocean as a white coast guard ship sails in the background.

May 14 2026

Disrupting Narco-Terrorist Networks

Latest news and information on SOUTHCOM efforts to work with partners to detect, disrupt, and dismantle cartels and narco-terrorist networks.
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Changing the Game

Support to Venezuela Earthquake Relief

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma crew members conduct interdiction operations in the Gulf of America, May 8, 2026. Tahoma’s crew, alongside a deployed Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron aircrew, stopped three suspected smuggling vessels carrying narcotics during a maritime patrol approximately 90 miles off Cartagena, Colombia. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Disrupting Narco-Terrorist Networks

News

SOUTHCOM Release | Aug. 18, 2026

Gen. Donovan Visits Ecuador

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Commander of U.S. Southern Command, completed his third official visit to Ecuador today, which included high-level dialogue meetings with Ecuadorian Minister of Defense Gian Carlo Loffredo Rendon

Secretary of War visits USS Gridley (DDG 101)

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War, visited the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) while the ship was pier side in Panama City, Panama, August 13, 2026.

Southcom Mission Shifts to Protecting Sovereignty of U.S., Partner Nations

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met in Panama with U.S. service members who are learning how to survive in the most brutal, unforgiving jungles of the Western Hemisphere, all while retaining their combat effectiveness.

SOUTHCOM Release | Aug. 13, 2026

Gen. Donovan Visits Panama

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, conducted a five-day scheduled visit to Panama to reinforce regional security objectives, review exercise PANAMAX 2026 multinational training, and join senior leaders,

Commander

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan is the Commander of U.S. Southern Command. Gen. Donovan assumed command Feb. 5, 2026

GEN. DONOVAN'S BIO

Four Imperatives

SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan has developed four imperatives to posture the U.S. military to confront the threats facing the Western Hemisphere.

Strengthen hemispheric command and control.
Impose total systemic friction on drug cartels and terrorist organizations.
Develop and field cost-effective, modernized forces tailored for the mission.
Deny adversary footholds and undue influence in the Western Hemisphere.

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Videos

Video by Sgt. Daniel Childs

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LCF-24: USS San Antonio Straddles the Caribbean Sea and Pacific in Panama

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Aug. 1, 2026 | 4:02

San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), transits through the Panama Canal, Aug. 1, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Department of War-directed operations, and the President’s priorities.  (U.S. Marine Corps video) 