Austin Highlights Critical Role of Partnerships at SOUTHCOM Change of Command
11/07/2024
MIAMI, Fla. — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III presided over the U.S. Southern Command change of command ceremony at the José Milton Memorial Park in Doral, Florida, November 7, 2024.
During the ceremony, U.S. Navy Adm. Craig S. Faller relinquished command to U.S. Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson.
Faller, who has commanded SOUTHCOM since 2018, thanked the command’s team for their hard work and dedication.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I think we’ve made a difference,” Faller said. “We have strengthened partnerships throughout the region and helped to build capacity in our partner nations. We have also made significant progress in countering transnational threats, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking. I am confident that Gen. Richardson will continue to build on our successes and lead SOUTHCOM to even greater heights.”
Richardson, who most recently served as the commander of U.S. Army North, said she is honored to lead SOUTHCOM and is eager to get to work. “I look forward to working with our partners in the region to address the challenges we face together,” Richardson said. “We are committed to building a more secure and prosperous hemisphere.”
Austin said that SOUTHCOM plays a critical role in the defense of the United States and the security of the Western Hemisphere. “The command’s area of responsibility is home to some of the most important countries in the world, and the challenges we face in this region are complex and ever-changing,” Austin said. “I am confident that Gen. Richardson has the experience and the leadership skills to lead SOUTHCOM through these challenges and help us to build a more secure and prosperous hemisphere.”
About SOUTHCOM
SOUTHCOM is one of six unified combatant commands in the U.S. military. Its area of responsibility includes 31 countries and 15 dependencies in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the surrounding waters. SOUTHCOM’s mission is to conduct military operations to defend the United States, its territories, and its interests in the region; to foster security cooperation with partner nations; and to provide humanitarian and disaster relief.
Media Contact
U.S. Southern Command Media Relations mediaops@southcom.mil 305-441-1709
Austin Highlights Critical Role of Partnerships at Southcom Change of Command
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