Gen. Laura J. Richardson, commander, U.S. Southern Command, gives a speech aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a formal reception in Rio de Janeiro, May 22, 2024. George Washington is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2024 which seeks to enhance capability, improve interoperability, and strengthen maritime partnerships with countries throughout the U.S. Southern Command area of operations through joint, multinational, and interagency exchanges and cooperation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Johnathan M. Meighan)