News

Archive: 2024

U.S. and partner Air Forces conduct multinational operations during PANAMAX 2024 on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Aug. 8, 2024. The U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, multinational, biennial command post exercise aimed at reinforcing and enhancing the long-term security of the Panama Canal and the Western Hemisphere.

Aug. 9, 2024

US Air Forces Southern hosts 11 nations for Exercise PANAMAX 2024

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — PANAMAX 2024 is underway at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. bringing together partner nations from 11 countries across the Americas to integrate and build upon their capabilities to plan and execute multinational operations, Aug. 5-16.

U.S. Navy and service members from partner nations participate in U.S. Southern Command PANAMAX 2024 in Mayport, Fla., Aug. 8. PANAMAX is an annual SOUTHCOM-sponsored multinational exercise that focuses on ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

Aug. 9, 2024

PANAMAX 2024 Kicks Off at Naval Station Mayport

MAYPORT, Fla. — MAYPORT, Fla. -- U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT) hosts the Combined Force Maritime Component Command (CFMCC) portion of the annual exercise PANAMAX from Aug. 8 through Aug. 16.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson pose for a photo.

Aug. 7, 2024

Gen. Richardson Visits Panama, Meets New President

The commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, visited Panama Aug. 5 - 6 to meet with newly elected president José Raúl Mulino and key senior government and security leaders to discuss continued cooperation

A photo of a helicopter hovering above water.

Aug. 1, 2024

Belize hosts JTF-Bravo’s AGILE BEAR 2.0 and Sentinel Watch

PRICE BARRACKS, Belize — Joint Task Force-Bravo’s premier multinational foreign humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises, AGILE BEAR 2.0 and Sentinel Watch, were hosted in various locations across Belize, July 21-26, 2024.

Maj. Jhon Chaparro, right, and Lt. Col. Jorge Flechas, second from left, both with the Colombian army’s engineer command, watch from a Combat Assault Craft as Soldiers with the 125th Multi-role Bridge Company, South Carolina Army National Guard assemble a raft on the Savannah River to move troops, vehicles, and equipment across the river as part of a training mission at Clarks Hill Training Site, S.C., July 17, 2024. The Colombian soldiers were observing the training as part of an exchange through the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program.

July 25, 2024

South Carolina Guard Bridging Unit Trains With Colombian Partners

Since 2012, the Colombian military and the South Carolina National Guard have been partnered in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program, which pairs Guard elements with partner nations worldwide for mutual training and subject matter expert exchanges.

A female Army general speaks into a microphone.

July 18, 2024

Russia, China Vying for Influence in Southern Hemisphere With U.S.

Russian warships have been making port visits to Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, and 22 nations in the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility have signed on to China's Belt and Road Initiative, the Southcom commander said.

July 17, 2024

U.S. Army, Marine civil affairs boosts education in Peru during Resolute Sentinel 2024

LIMA, Peru — Exercise Resolute Sentinel 2024, a joint military exercise involving the U.S. and partner nations, aims to improve readiness and strengthen bonds through a series of humanitarian and civic assistance activities. This year's mission has taken on an added layer of importance as U.S. Army, Marine and Peruvian Air Force teams came together to focus on supporting local communities in Peru.

U.S. military members and Paraguyan medical students participating in AMISTAD 24 gather around the 75th anniversary monument of the founding of the Fernheim Colony in Filadelfia, Paraguay, July 16, 2024. AMISTAD brings U.S. military health professionals together with partner nation medical teams to train and learn best practices together. This 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) led mission delivers valuable experiences to U.S. and partner nation medical professionals while increasing their ability to quickly work together in emergency situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carly Feliciano)

July 17, 2024

AMISTAD24: Partnering with Paraguay for Medical Mission Success

FILADELFIA, Paraguay — Thirty-two Total Force U.S. Air Force Airmen and U.S. Army Massachusetts National Guard soldiers journeyed to Filadelfia to support this year's AMISTAD mission. AMISTAD, Spanish for friendship, is the core of their objective: to collaborate closely with local counterparts, enhancing mutual training efforts and delivering optimal patient care.

Military personnel and a civilian pose for a photo.

July 12, 2024

Army civilian honored by South Florida Federal Executive Board

Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), and Marine Command Sgt. Maj. Rafael Rodriguez, recognized U.S. Army civilian Eric Lightfoot for being awarded the 59th annual South Florida Federal Executive Board’s Federal Employee of the Year award.

Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Smith, Continuing Promise 2024 Mission Commander, and Lt. Daniel Ehrlich, Continuing Promise 2024 Public Affairs Officer, greet U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nick Perry prior to his visit and tour of Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) at Kingston Wharves.

July 12, 2024

Continuing Promise 2024 Holds Ceremony for Official Transfer of Donations

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet's Continuing Promise 2024 mission held a ceremony in front of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) commemorating the official transfer of medical supplies and hurricane relief donations from the mission on behalf of several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to the government of Jamaica. This ceremony was done in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy, Jamaica and held at Kingston Wharves.