Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference kicks off in Colombia

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Alisa Helin | Lt. Gen. Robert B. Neller, commanding general of U.S. Marine Forces Command, represents the commandant of the United States Marine Corps during a press conference for the Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference 2015 in Cartagena, Colombia, Aug. 24, 2015. The conference provides a forum for regional and senior naval infantry leaders throughout the Western Hemisphere to discuss shared interests in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief matters and improve training programs among partner nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alisa J. Helin/Released)  

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

08.24.2015

Story by Sgt. Alisa Helin and Lance Cpl. Immanuel Johnson

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

CARTAGENA, Colombia - The Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference 2015 began today to increase professional exchanges among naval infantry forces within the Western Hemisphere. The conference is the sixth iteration and is co-hosted by Marine Corps Forces Southern Command and the Infanteria de Marina de Colombia providing the commandant of the Marine Corps with an opportunity to meet and engage senior Marine Corps and naval infantry leaders of the 15 partner nations.

First held in Ecuador in 2001, the conference has been a venue for building lasting relationships in the Western Hemisphere. During the 2011 MLAC Conference, Gen. James F. Amos, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps said, “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.”

MLAC brings together regional Marine Corps from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay and the United States.

Lieutenant Gen. Robert B. Neller, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command representing the commandant of the Marine Corps during the conference is working to improve Marine Corps training programs and enhance naval infantry support to operations, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

“Recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and storms that come across the oceans remind us that it is only a matter of time before we have to operate together in this hemisphere as friends,” said Lt. Gen. Neller “We need to be ready to respond in support of each other.”

During the conference, the partner nations will take part in bi-lateral working group discussions and presentations focusing on the existing relationships that facilitate a regional response and partnerships in shared interests and values.

“The next priority for senior military leaders here today is to find solutions of dealing with everyday problems we face,” said Vice Admiral Leornardo Santamaria Gaitan, Chief of Naval Operations for the Colombian Navy.

Dr. Audrey Casserliegh, the conference’s keynote speaker, will address the regional approach to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the senior naval infantry leaders attending the conference. Dr. Casserliegh’s research focuses on man-made disasters to include several case studies.

The conference also includes a spouses program affording the opportunity for spouses to immerse themselves in the rich Cartagena culture and history and learn about each other during the different events taking place during the conference.

• Date Taken: 08.24.2015
• Date Posted: 08.25.2015 10:48
• Story ID: 174065
• Location: CARTAGENA, CO