Exercise CENTAM Guardian 2024
CENTAM Guardian 2024, hosted in Honduras and Costa Rica, is designed to build humanitarian assistance/disaster response capacity, enhance readiness to combat common threats in Central America, and promote cooperation.
Strengthening Partnerships: SOUTHCOM Commander Visits Argentina
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.
Southern Seas 2024: USS George Washington to Deploy and 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.
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

Commander of U.S. Southern Command Visits Guatemala for Meetings With Guatemalan and Regional Leaders
April 16, 2024 - U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), will arrive in Guatemala City, Monday, April 15, marking her first official visit to the country. 
USSPACECOM advances space partnerships in South America as part of Space Symposium 39 international engagements
U.S. Space Force Gen. Stephen Whiting, U.S. Space Command commander, and Gen. Luis H. De León Pepelescov, Chief of Uruguayan Air Force, sign a Space Situational Awareness information-sharing agreement during Space Symposium 39 in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 9, 2024. USSPACECOM’s SSA program represents more than 185 partners from the commercial sector, academia, and foreign and intergovernmental organizations committed to enhancing the safety, stability, and sustainability of spaceflight for all.
April 11, 2024 - U.S. Space Command leaders met with representatives from Uruguay, Colombia, Brazil, and Peru to strengthen and expand space cooperation among partner nations in the Western Hemisphere during Space Symposium 39, April 8-11, 2024.
USSPACECOM, Brazilian Air Force Sign Liaison Officer Agreement
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Gibson, U.S. Space Command strategy, plans and policy director, signs a Memorandum of Agreement for a liaison officer with Maj. Gen. Eric Cólen, Brazilian Space Operations Center commander, during the 39th Annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 11, 2024. This agreement builds upon the relationship with Brazil and emphasizes the importance of South American nations to the space domain. USSPACECOM, working with Allies and Partners, plans, executes, and integrates military spacepower into multi-domain global operations in order to deter aggression, defend national interests, and when necessary, defeat threats.
April 11, 2024 - U.S. Space Command and the Brazilian Air Force signed an arrangement to assign a Brazilian liaison officer to USSPACECOM, Apr. 11, 2024.
USSPACECOM and Uruguayan Air Force Sign Space Situational Awareness Information Sharing Agreement
U.S. Space Force Gen. Stephen Whiting, U.S. Space Command commander, and Gen. Luis H. De León Pepelescov, Chief of Uruguayan Air Force, sign a Space Situational Awareness information-sharing agreement during Space Symposium 39 in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 9, 2024. USSPACECOM’s SSA program represents more than 185 partners from the commercial sector, academia, and foreign and intergovernmental organizations committed to enhancing the safety, stability, and sustainability of spaceflight for all.
April 9, 2024 - U.S. Space Command and the Uruguayan Air Force signed a Space Situational Awareness information sharing agreement, Apr. 9, 2024.
USS Leyte Gulf Takes Down Semi-Submersible Vessel
240322-G-N3764-1001 ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 22, 2024) - The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 work together to intercept a self-propelled semi-submersible drug smuggling vessel (SPSS), in the Atlantic Ocean, March 22, 2024. Leyte Gulf is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command area of operations, employed by U.S. Fourth Fleet to support joint and combined military operations, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and the Atlantic. (U.S. Coast Guard Courtesy Photo/Released)
April 8, 2024 - The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), has made multiple drug interdictions in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of operations (AOR).
Gen. Richardson Meets with President Milei, Defense Leaders in Argentina
USHUAIA, Argentina (April 4, 2024) – U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is greeted by Argentine President Javier Milei. Richardson visited Argentina April 2-6 to foster dialogue and collaboration with the country's new government and defense leaders and underscore the long-standing commitment to enhancing the strategic partnership between both countries. (Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy Argentina)
April 6, 2024 - U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), visited Argentina April 2 - 6, 2024, where she met with Argentine President Javier Milei and senior defense leaders and took part in the U.S.-provided donation of a C-130H Hercules aircraft to the country’s air force.
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PHOTOS

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team aircraft zips through the sky.
U.S. Airmen from the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team salute their pilot and commander.
The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs during the Internacional del Aire y del Espacio (FIDAE).
USSPACECOM, Brazilian Air Force Sign Liaison Officer Agreement
USSPACECOM, Brazilian Air Force Sign Liaison Officer Agreement
A 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Multipurpose Canine Detachment (MPC-D), handler discusses signs of heat-related injuries in multipurpose canines during training, April 3, 2024.
Armando Drain, a geospatial engineer with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), conducts training on U.S. SOUTHCOM’s Enhanced Domain Awareness, a common sharing platform, as part of exercise CENTAM Guardian 24 phase one on Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 5, 2024.
A member of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) leads Close Quarters Battle training with members of the Honduran military in La Venta, Honduras, as part of CENTAM Guardian 24, April 5, 2024.
A member of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) leads gun range training with members of the Honduran military in La Venta, Honduras, as part of CENTAM Guardian 24, April 5, 2024.
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Multipurpose Canine Detachment, handlers guides a multipurpose canine during behavior training in La Venta, Honduras, as part of CENTAM Guardian 24, April 5, 2024.
A 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Multipurpose Canine Detachment, handler, center, discusses techniques to incorporate canines in operations in La Venta, Honduras, as part of CENTAM Guardian 24, April 5, 2024.
A member of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) leads Close Quarters Battle training with members of the Honduran military in La Venta, Honduras, as part of CENTAM Guardian 24, April 5, 2024.
A member of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) leads Close Quarters Battle training with members of the Honduran military in La Venta, Honduras, as part of CENTAM Guardian 24, April 5, 2024.
A member of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) leads gun range training with a member of the Honduran military in La Venta, Honduras, as part of CENTAM Guardian 24, April 5, 2024.
Cyber service members from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras participate in a cyberspace defense exercise as part of CENTAM GUARDIAN 24 at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras 2-11 April, 2024.
Salvadoran servicemembers participate in a cyberspace defense exercise as part of CENTAM GUARDIAN 24 at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras 2-11 April, 2024.
Honduran servicemembers participate in a cyberspace defense exercise as part of CENTAM GUARDIAN 24 at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras 2-11 April, 2024.
Honduran servicemembers participate in a cyberspace defense exercise as part of CENTAM GUARDIAN 24 at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras 2-11 April, 2024.
USSPACECOM signs SSA with Uruguay
The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 work together to intercept a self-propelled semi-submersible drug smuggling vessel (SPSS), in the Atlantic Ocean, March 22, 2024. Leyte Gulf is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command area of operations, employed by U.S. Fourth Fleet to support joint and combined military operations, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and the Atlantic.
The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 work together to intercept a self-propelled semi-submersible drug smuggling vessel (SPSS), in the Atlantic Ocean, March 22, 2024. Leyte Gulf is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command area of operations, employed by U.S. Fourth Fleet to support joint and combined military operations, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and the Atlantic.
Gen. Richardson Meets with President Milei, Defense Leaders in Argentina.
U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, delivers remarks during a ceremony highlighting the U.S.-provided donation of a C-130H Hercules aircraft.
U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), delivers remarks during a ceremony highlighting the U.S.-provided donation of a C-130H Hercules.
Argentine President Javier Milei delivers remarks during a ceremony highlighting the U.S.-provided donation of a C-130H Hercules aircraft .
U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is greeted by Argentine President Javier Milei.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (April 3, 2024) – U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), joins Argentine service members and defense officials for a panel discussion on the advancement of Women, Peace, and Security.
U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), meets with Argentine Brig. Gen. Xavier Isaac, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Argentine Armed Forces.
U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), meets with Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri.
Members of U.S. Southern Command, El Salvador military, Honduran military, and Guatemalan military stand at parade rest during the opening ceremony of CENTAM Guardian 24 phase one at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 2, 2024.
Laura Dogu, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras, provides remarks during the opening ceremony of CENTAM Guardian 24 phase one at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 2, 2024.
Laura Dogu, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras, provides remarks during the opening ceremony of CENTAM Guardian 24 phase one at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 2, 2024.
Members of the Guatemalan military salute during the playing of national anthems during the opening ceremony of CENTAM Guardian 24 phase one at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 2, 2024.
Members of the Honduran military salute during the playing of national anthems during the opening ceremony of CENTAM Guardian 24 phase one at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 2, 2024.
The commander of U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson and U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Cynthia A. Telles join U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo during a meeting with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles.
- The commander of U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson speaks during a press conference alongside Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles and join U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.
The commander of U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson takes part in a press conference with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles and join U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Porter (DDG 78) underway in the Atlantic Ocean.
Partner nation medical personnel and U.S. Air Force team members of the St. Lucia Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team gather for a group photo during an opening ceremony at Owen King European Union Hospital, Castries, St. Lucia, Feb. 26, 2024.
Partner nation medical personnel and U.S. Air Force team members of the St. Lucia Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team gather for a group photo during an opening ceremony at Owen King European Union Hospital, Castries, St. Lucia, Feb. 26, 2024.
Partner nation medical personnel and U.S. Air Force team members of the St. Lucia Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team gather for a group photo during an opening ceremony at Owen King European Union Hospital, Castries, St. Lucia, Feb. 26, 2024.
Partner nation medical personnel and U.S. Air Force team members of the St. Lucia Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team gather for a group photo during an opening ceremony at Owen King European Union Hospital, Castries, St. Lucia, Feb. 26, 2024.
Partner nation medical personnel and U.S. Air Force team members of the St. Lucia Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team gather for a group photo during an opening ceremony at Owen King European Union Hospital, Castries, St. Lucia, Feb. 26, 2024.
Under the direction of U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative, 42 U.S. Air Force active duty and reserve personnel were deployed to work alongside Surinamese military and civilian medical counterparts.
Under the direction of U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative, 42 U.S. Air Force active duty and reserve personnel were deployed to work alongside Surinamese military and civilian medical counterparts.
Under the direction of U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative, 42 U.S. Air Force active duty and reserve personnel were deployed to work alongside Surinamese military and civilian medical counterparts.
Under the direction of U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative, 42 U.S. Air Force active duty and reserve personnel were deployed to work alongside Surinamese military and civilian medical counterparts.
Under the direction of U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative, 42 U.S. Air Force active duty and reserve personnel were deployed to work alongside Surinamese military and civilian medical counterparts.
Photo of a single engine aircraft the United States donated to the Dominican Republic.
Senior U.S. and Dominican senior defense and government leaders pose for a photo in front of an aircraft.

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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.