Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference kicks off in Peru

Photo By Cpl. Angel Canosaldivias | Gen. James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, and Rear Adm. Luis Ramos Vargas, commandant of the Peruvian Marine Corps answer questions during a press conference for the Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference 2011. The MLAC is an international conference designed to increase engagement among partner nation's Marine Corps' and Naval Infantries across North, Central and South America.  

LIMA, PERU

08.30.2011

Story by Cpl. J Nava 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

LIMA, Peru - The fifth Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference 2011 started in Lima, Peru, today with a main purpose of fostering professional relationships between the commanders of partner nation's Marine Corps and Naval Infantries of North, Central and South America.

The bi-annual MLAC offers senior leaders from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and the U.S. an opportunity to exchange knowledge and discuss common security issues.

This year’s MLAC is co-hosted by the United States Marine Corps and the Peruvian Marine Corps. The specific theme for this year’s MLAC is to discuss the role of Marine Forces in countering threats to security and supporting humanitarian operations.

“This week we will focus on three overarching issues – humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, peacekeeping support operations and threats to regional security,” said Gen. James Amos, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. “Standing alone, none of us has all the answers to these complex challenges, but together we can combine our unique experiences for the mutual benefit of all.”

The United States and Peru have a strong and productive partnership based on shared values and interests that include the stability and security of our hemisphere. The bond between the two nations extends beyond commitment to regional peace and stability.

“The security situation and common threats in our region, including future trends and the allocation of new roles and tasks for our forces, are of permanent concern and are presented as common challenges which we must face together, sharing our experiences and establishing partnerships,” said Rear Adm. Luis Ramos Vargas, commandant of the Peruvian Marine Corps.

The first MLAC took place in Guayaquil, Ecuador in July 2001, with a focus on establishing and/or enhancing personal and professional relationships between Marine Leaders of North, Central and South America, resulting in commanders agreeing to participate in U.S. co-sponsored MLAC conferences every two years to discuss issues of common hemispheric concerns. MLAC revolves around each Marine Corps bettering the other through sharing experiences.

In addition to workshops aimed at helping the Marine leaders discuss regional issues, the conference also allows for each of the leader’s wives to learn from one another through the conference's spouse program. The main objective of the spouse program is to show gratitude to the selected group of spouses of the Marine commandants.

• Date Taken: 08.30.2011
• Date Posted: 08.31.2011 02:14
• Story ID: 76204
• Location: LIMA, PE