FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Maj. Gen. Simeon G. Trombitas, commander U.S. Army South, hosted Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F), during a visit to Army South headquarters here Nov. 8.
The visit was a chance for Trombitas and Tidd to brief each other on their respective commands' missions and operations. The visit was also an opportunity for the two commanders to interact and discuss ways their staff sections can better support the overall U.S. Southern Command's mission and area of responsibility. SOUTHCOM's mission is to conduct joint and combined full-spectrum military operations and support whole-of-government efforts to enhance regional security and cooperation in Central and South America and the Caribbean region.
"It's a great opportunity to have Admiral Tidd here to give him an idea of our capabilities, how we operate and to discuss how we can better work together to support the SOUTHCOM mission," said Trombitas.
In August, the two commands worked together during Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX, an annual U.S. Southern Command-sponsored multinational exercise series that focuses on ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal. About 3,500 personnel, 22 ships and 16 nations, including the United States, participated in live and simulated training scenarios in the vicinity of Panama and from various U.S. locations during this year's exercise.
Exercises such as PANAMAX allow the Army and the Navy to work in conjunction with partner nation forces to gain valuable skills and training while forging personal working relationships. These relationships help to build trust between the participating nations and assist in a concentrated, multinational effort to address the region's challenges.
"Our maritime partners in the region are strong and highly capable," said Tidd. "We continue to explore innovative ways to increase interoperability between our partner nation navies."
Other points of discussion during the visit were maximizing the working relationship and sharing of information between the two component commands. By collaborating on common objectives, the commands will be able to maximize efforts in countering illicit trafficking and transnational criminal organizations on land and at sea.
"We're looking more closely at working with Army South to focus on the land aspect," said Navy Capt. Francis Molinari, executive officer COMUSNAVSO/C4F. "That's one area in particular we can partner and capture efficiencies with a collective approach."
Both commanders agreed that partnering and combining efforts was key to effectively conducting their theater security cooperation mission.
"Working side-by-side with partner nation army and naval forces has proven to be an effective way to enhance security and stability within the Central and South American and Caribbean region," said Dan Meyer, deputy chief of staff, Army South.
Army South and COMUSNAVSO/C4F are two of the five component commands that comprise SOUTHCOM. Other component commands include U.S. Marine Corps Forces South, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), and Special Operations Command South.
Social Sharing