Photo By Staff Sgt. Brian Ragin | Brig. Gen. Antonio M. Fletcher, commanding general of Special Operations Command...... read more read more
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PANAMA CITY, PANAMA - - The skies of Panama briefly cleared-up after what started off as a wet morning, and forecasted to rain day. After nine wet, hot and humid days in the jungles of Panama, Fuerzas Comando, the U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and Special Operations Command South executed competition, came to an end with a closing ceremony at the Instituto Superior Policial, Panama, July 26, 2018.
Distinguished visitors, which included senior leadership from the 17 participating countries, gathered together to celebrate another successful competition.
The Commanding General of Special Operations Command South Brig. Gen. Antonio Fletcher thanked the distinguished visitors, Minister Alexis Bethancourt Yau, Ministry of Public Security and the people of Panama for their hospitality and their welcomes.
“Before presenting the teams and top awards for this year’s competition,” said Fletcher. “ I would like to recognize and congratulate everyone on the coordination, preparation, and execution of Fuerzas Comando 18. “
For the fifth time since 2012 and ninth time overall, the team from the Republic of Colombia has won the coveted Fuerzas Comando Trophy.
The U.S. team comprised of members assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), placed second and Ecuador was third.
“The biggest winner in Fuerzas Comando is always the region,” said Fletcher. “ The camaraderie, respect, trust and partnership strengthened during the competition means we continue expanding our level of interoperability, and cooperation.”
In addition to the first three places, Brazil, Honduras, El Salvador, Chile, Jamaica, the hosting country Panama and Argentina were among the top 10 nations in Fuerzas Comando 18. Other countries that participated were Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Paraguay, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago comandos were recognized for completing one of the events canceled due to weather conditions.
Teams in Fuerzas Comando 18 challenged each other in a friendly competition which promotes military-to-military relationships, increases interoperability, and improves regional security.
“In closing, while today we may only have one champion, our region is the biggest winner.” said Fletcher
Fuerzas Comando is scheduled to take place in the South American nation of Chile in the summer of 2019.
| Date Taken: | 07.26.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2018 19:43 |
| Story ID: | 285921 |
| Location: | PANAMA CITY, PA |
| Web Views: | 854 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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