Southern Seas 2024: USS George Washington Deploys to 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.
Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC 24)
Defense and public-security leaders from the United States and Central America gathered in Guatemala for this year’s Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC) and discussed utilizing innovations to protect borders in all domains.
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.
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

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James Visits Buenos Aires, Argentina
Coast Guard Capt. Donald Terkanian, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) presents a gift to the President of Argentina Javier Milei aboard the James at the Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 29, 2024. Terkanian gave Milei a painting of the James and a bottle of barbeque sauce that is made in South Carolina, homeport of the James. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Logan Kaczmarek)
May 1, 2024 - The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) and its crew arrived April 29 at the Port of Buenos Aires. This visit marks a significant moment in the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Argentina, aimed at enhancing maritime security and combating illicit activities at sea. During this visit, the crew will also conduct joint drills on the high seas with their Argentine counterparts, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of this mission.
Multinational Firefighting Teams Train Together During CENTAM Smoke
CENTAM SMOKE participants from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Jamaica and the 612th Air Base Squadron, Joint Task Force-Bravo, stand together at the closing ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 26, 2024. During the week-long exercise, participants learned vehicle extrication, rescue tactics, techniques and procedures, and structural live fire training.
April 29, 2024 - The multinational exercise CENTAM SMOKE ended with a closing ceremony awarding the five participating countries’ firefighters at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 26, 2024.
Statement: U.S. Military Aircraft delivers much-needed medicine and medical supplies to Haiti
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024. This humanitarian aid, contributed by NGOs including Hope to Haiti, Medicine for All People International, and Lift Logistics, was delivered to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, under the coordination of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) through the Denton Program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)
April 27, 2024 - As the effort continues to support a more stable and prosperous Haiti, the U.S. Southern Command coordinated another U.S. Air Force C-130 flight this morning into Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti with a Denton Program humanitarian aid delivery. This is the fourth flight facilitated to the PAP international airport this week, an important step toward the resumption of regular air traffic in Haiti.
El Salvador sends the first female firefighter to participate in CENTAM SMOKE
Yoselin Alejandra Orellana Ramos, a Salvadoran Firefighter II, practices hose pulls during CENTAM SMOKE at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 22, 2024. Orellana is the first female Salvadoran firefighter to participate in CENTAM SMOKE.
April 26, 2024 - A female firefighter from the Fire Department of El Salvador was the first to participate in CENTAM SMOKE at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, from April 22-26, 2024.
Statement: U.S. Military Aircraft Transports Aid to Haiti
Pallets of oral hydration fluid are loaded onto a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., April 24, 2024, in preparation for transport to Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The aircraft delivered the humanitarian aid to Haiti April 25 through the Denton Program. U.S. Southern Command coordinated the delivery of the aid that was donated by the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Hope for Haiti, Medicine for All People International, and Lift Logistics. (Photos by Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)
April 25, 2024 - Today, U.S. Southern Command coordinated another flight into Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti with a Denton Program humanitarian aid delivery marking an important step toward the resumption of flights into Haiti.  A U.S. Air Force C-130 transported 20 pallets of oral hydration fluid for the Haitian People donated by the non-governmental organizations Hope to Haiti, MAP International, and Lift Logistics.
SEAC Wraps Up Visit to Soto Cano Air Base
Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black greets enlisted service members at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 22, 2024. The SEAC visit to the Honduran installation, where over 600 U.S. military personnel are assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo, focused on assessing quality of life conditions, learning about JTF-Bravo facilities and inspiring the enlisted force during an all-call.
April 24, 2024 - The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black visited personnel at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, April 22-23, 2024. Black is the fifth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. military’s highest-ranking enlisted member. 
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PHOTOS

Coast Guard Capt. Donald Terkanian, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) greets the Vice President of Argentina Victoria Villarruel aboard the James at the Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 30, 2024
Coast Guard Capt. Donald Terkanian, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) greets the Vice President of Argentina Victoria Villarruel aboard the James at the Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 30, 2024.
Coast Guard Capt. Donald Terkanian, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) presents a gift to the President of Argentina Javier Milei aboard the James at the Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 29, 2024
The Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) arrives at the Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 29, 2024. James made a scheduled port visit during Operation Southern Cross 2024
USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrives at the Naval Station Mayport.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrives at the Naval Station Mayport.
Jamaican firefighters receive the “Top Country Performers” Award for the Firefighter Challenge Obstacle Course at the CENTAM SMOKE Closing Ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras April 26, 2024. The team averaged a time of two minutes and 43 seconds for the course, which consisted of techniques and procedures on hose advancements up two stories, nozzle control, vehicle extrication, rescue operations and carrying a 150-pound mannequin.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) pulls into Naval Station Mayport.
A photo of firefighters putting out a fire.
A photo of a firefighter smashing a window.
A sailor is seen from behind and below holding a cap while standing at attention. A large, light blue flag with gold stars flutters above the sailor.
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024.
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024.
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024.
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024.
Airmen from the 482d Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) join forces with the 317th Airlift Wing, who provided their C-130 Hercules, blaze the trail in loading pallets of medical supplies and electrolyte solution at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., on April 26, 2024.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) departs Naval Station Norfolk.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) departs Naval Station Norfolk.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) departs Naval Station Norfolk.
Pallets of oral hydration fluid are loaded onto a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
Pallets of oral hydration fluid are loaded onto a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
Pallets of oral hydration fluid are loaded onto a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
Pallets of oral hydration fluid sit in a warehouse in Doral, Fla. April 23, 2024, prior to transport to Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
A photo of two service members shaking hands.
A photo of a service member talking to a crowd.
A photo of a service member talking to a crowd.
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft sits on the tarmac at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, April 23, 2024.
U.S. Army General Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, addresses regional security leaders during the opening ceremony of the Central American Security Conference.
U.S. Army General Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, addresses regional security leaders during the opening ceremony of the Central American Security Conference.
U.S. Army General Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, takes a group photo with regional security leaders after the opening ceremony of the Central American Security Conference
U.S. Army General Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, addresses regional security leaders during the opening ceremony of the Central American Security Conference.
U.S. Army General Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, addresses regional security leaders during the opening ceremony of the Central American Security Conference.
U.S. Army General Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, addresses regional security leaders during the opening ceremony of the Central American Security Conference.
U.S. Army General Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, arrives in Guatemala for an official visit.
U.S. Army General Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, meets with Minister of Defense Brigadier General Henry David Saenz & Chief of the Guatemalan National Defense Staff Brigadier General Carlos Antionio Medina Juárez.
Miliary personnel salute each other.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Rafael Rodriguez, the command senior enlisted leader of U.S. Southern Command, presents a coin to Minister of Defense Brigadier General Henry David Saenz.
U.S. Army General Laura Richardson, right, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, meets with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo.
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
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.
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.

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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.