MIAMI (July 26, 2019) -- U.S. Navy Adm. Craig S. Faller, commander of U.S. Southern Command, visited Costa Rica July 24 – 26, where he met with leaders to discuss security cooperation.
The trip was the admiral’s first to Costa Rica since assuming command of SOUTHCOM Nov. 26.
During his visit, Faller met with civilian and military leaders, including Costa Rican Minister of Security and the Interior, Michael Soto Rojas. Faller's discussion with leaders focused on regional security concerns and the continuation of both nation’s strong security partnership.
Faller previously met Rojas at SOUTHCOM headquarters in Miami Jan. 28.
On July 25, Faller visited Costa Rica’s Coast Guard Service Academy to meet with students and staff and got a firsthand look at joint training with a U.S. Naval Special Warfare and Tactical Law Enforcement Team.
Later, the admiral took part in the demonstration of a Costa Rican National Coast Guard Service interceptor boat that was part of recent U.S. State Department Bureau for Antinarcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) donations aimed at bolstering the nation’s ability to patrol its territorial waters and fight traffickers.
Faller wrapped up his trip July 26 with a tour of USNS Comfort along with Rojas. The ship is in Costa Rica to provide medical assistance and help relieve pressure on health systems strained by the Venezuelan migration crisis. The ship’s mission in Costa Rica is one of 12 stops of a 5-month deployment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The United States and Costa Rica share a strong security partnership which includes cooperation in countering illicit trafficking and training engagements.