About this Unit
The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) was established in 1963, evolving from earlier U.S. military commands in the Panama Canal Zone dating back to the early 20th century. Its mission is to oversee U.S. military operations and security cooperation in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. USSOUTHCOM has played key roles in regional stability, humanitarian assistance, counternarcotics operations, and disaster response. Throughout its history, the command has adapted to changing security challenges, fostering partnerships with regional allies to promote peace and democracy in the Western Hemisphere.
Historical Facts
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Establishment Date: United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) was officially established on June 6, 1963 as United States Southern Command, evolving from its predecessor, the United States Caribbean Command (activated in 1947).
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Area of Responsibility: USSOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility covers 31 countries and 16 dependencies and areas of special sovereignty in Central and South America and the Caribbean, encompassing more than 16 million square miles.
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Headquarters Moves: The command was originally headquartered in Quarry Heights, Panama. After the implementation of the Panama Canal Treaties, it relocated to Miami, Florida, in 1997.
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Key Role in Operation Just Cause: USSOUTHCOM played a pivotal role in Operation Just Cause in 1989, which aimed to remove Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega from power.
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Multi-National Exercises: The command organizes and leads numerous multinational exercises, such as PANAMAX and UNITAS, fostering cooperation and interoperability with partner nations in the region.
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Counter-Narcotics Mission: A core focus of USSOUTHCOM is countering illicit trafficking, especially in drugs, as the region is a major transit zone for narcotics destined for the United States.
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Humanitarian Assistance: Beyond military operations, USSOUTHCOM is heavily involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, such as after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where it led the U.S. military response.
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Women in Leadership: In 2016, Admiral Michelle J. Howard became the first woman to lead a U.S. combatant command when she was appointed as the commander of USSOUTHCOM.
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Guantanamo Bay Oversight: USSOUTHCOM oversees U.S. military operations at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, including the detention facility, medical, and logistical support.
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Focus on Security Cooperation: USSOUTHCOM emphasizes building partner nation capacity through security cooperation, training, and education, including supporting programs like the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC).
