MIAMI (Jan. 15, 2020) -- U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) commander, Navy Adm. Craig S. Faller, visited Colombia Jan. 12 - 15 to meet with Colombian leaders to discuss regional security efforts and the U.S.-Colombia defense partnership.
On Jan. 13, Colombian President Ivan Duque met with Faller to discuss the continuation of both nations' strong security partnership. Also on Jan. 13, the admiral met with Minister of Defense Carlos Holmes Trujillo and Chief of Defense Maj. Gen. Luis Navarro to discuss regional security concerns and reaffirm U.S. support to the nation.
During the trip, Faller was joined by SOUTHCOM's Civilian Deputy to the Commander, Amb. Jean Manes, the head of J7/9 Exercises and Coalition Directorate, Colombian Brig. Gen. Juan Carlos Correa Consuegra, and the Commanding General of U.S. Army South, Maj. Gen. Daniel R. Walrath.
On Jan. 14, Faller and the leadership team visited Colombian units in Apiay and Tolemaida to meet with Colombian service members who are working alongside the U.S. to support regional security.
At the Apiay Air Base, Faller and the leaders met with Colombian troops who provide air support to multiple security missions, including counter-illicit trafficking efforts. In Tolemaida, the leaders met with personnel training for demining missions, helicopter support and maintenance programs. The U.S. military partners with Tolemaida as part of efforts to bolster regional security.
Faller and Manes also took part in a discussion with a group of Colombian female military personnel in Tolemaida to discuss the invaluable contributions of women in military and the implementation of the UN’s Women, Peace, and Security initiatives.
The U.S. and Colombia share a longstanding partnership focused on regional security and counter-illicit trafficking.