MARFORSOUTH gains first full-time commander

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kirstin Spanu | Brigadier Gen. David W. Coffman, out-going commander of United States Marine Corps Forces, South, Gen. John F. Kelly, commander of United States Southern Command, and Brig. Gen. Eric M. Smith (left to right), in-coming commander of MARFORSOUTH, stand together after a change-of-command ceremony in the Conference Center of the Americas at USSOUTHCOM in Doral, Fla., June 29, 2015. Coffman relinquished his command of two years in a ceremonial passing of the colors to Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kirstin Merrimarahajara/released)  

DORAL, FL, UNITED STATES

06.29.2015

Courtesy Story

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

DORAL, Fla. - Commander of United States Marine Corps Forces, South, Brig. Gen. David W. Coffman, relinquished his command of two years in a ceremonial passing of the colors to Brig. Gen. Eric M. Smith at the Conference Center of the Americas at the United States Southern Command in Doral, Fla., June 29, 2015.

Coffman served as both deputy commander of United States Marine Corps Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., and as the commander of MARFORSOUTH during his time, but, for the first time in MARFORSOUTH history, the commander here will possess a full-time billet.

General Consuls from multiple countries and local leaders from the Miami-metro area watched the exchange of the colors from the hands of the out-going commander to the in-coming. They also heard the proclamation that June 29, 2015, is “Brigadier General David W. Coffman Day” in Miami-Dade County; a testament to the durable relationships fostered both locally and regionally during Coffman’s time with the command.

“He has a passion for Marines with a mission… and encourages Marines not just to engage, but to be engaged,” said Gen. John F. Kelly, commander of USSOUTHCOM, of Coffman. “He has found creative ways to keep the gates open to the countries of our [area of operations].”

Marines with MARFOURFOUTH work closely with service members and political entities from the 31 countries in the SOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility, which consists of the Caribbean and Central and South America, in an effort to enhance the relationships between the U.S. and its partners to the south.

Tradewinds and UNITAS Amphib are among the many exercises that Marines take part in to show the Marine Corps’ capabilities, meet USSOUTHCOM’s strategy and requirements and help partner nations to meet their goals.
“We really believe in the importance of partnership,” said Coffman. “We’ve gotten busier in the Caribbean and we’re reaching out to anyone who wants help and who wants to work with us. I’m pleased with how far we’ve gotten.”

Smith plans to continue to positively build upon the relationships with nations in MARFORSOUTH’s AOR and support the objectives of USSOUTHCOM.

“I really do believe in the mission,” said Smith.

• Date Taken: 06.29.2015
• Date Posted: 06.30.2015 08:26
• Story ID: 168556
• Location: DORAL, FL, US