Fuerzas Comando 2010 ends with closing ceremony

Courtesy Photo | Gen. Hector E. Pagan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, awards a Special Operations soldier from team El Salvador after finishing third in the Fuerzas Comando 2010 military competition. Special Operations teams from 18 nations from the U.S., Caribbean, Central and South America competed in a special operations skills competition designed to improve regional cooperation. Ecuador finished first, Dominican Republic second and El Salvador third. The United States' team won the assault competition and tied Uruguay for first in the Sniper events. (Photo by Isidro Almonte, Dominican Republic Public Affairs)  

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

06.24.2010

Story by Maj. Armando Hernandez 

Special Operations Command South

Fuerzas Comando 2010 concluded June 24 with a closing ceremony in Santo Domingo, at the Dominican Army’s 1st Infantry’s military base.

The ceremony closed with farewell speeches from Brig. Gen. Hector E. Pagan, the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command South and Brig. Gen. Pablo Cavallo Feliz, 1st Infantry Brigade commander, Dominican Republic Army. Gen. Douglas Fraser, commander of U.S. Southern Command and Gen. Antonio Capusano Lopez, vice minister of the Dominican Republic Armed Forces presided over the ceremony.

Ecuador was the overall winner of the tactical competition, which was comprised of a grueling regimen that required physical strength, endurance and a high level of Special Operations expertise. Dominican Republic finished in second place and El Salvador finished third in the competition between 18 nations. The United States’ team won the assault competition and tied Uruguay for first in the Sniper events.

Pagan and Cavallo awarded trophies and medals to the winners and congratulated all of the participants in the tactical skills competition.

“Fuerzas Comando is a military exercise that builds lasting partnerships between nations,” said Pagan. “During the senior leader seminar, participants had the opportunity to discuss how to counter illicit trafficking,” he added.

“I am convinced that all of you will depart with great memories of this event and you will always be welcomed in our country,” said Cavallo. “You will leave satisfied knowing that you are working for the greater good.” he said.

This is the seventh consecutive year Fuerzas Comando has taken place.

• Date Taken: 06.24.2010
• Date Posted: 06.26.2010 11:00
• Story ID: 52026
• Location: SANTO DOMINGO, DO