SENAN: A Unique Responsibility at the Heart of the Americas

SENAN: A Unique Responsibility at the Heart of the Americas

Responsible for protecting and defending Panama’s airspace, territorial waters, and the Panama Canal, Commander Luis Antonio De Gracia, director general of Panama’s National Air and Naval Service (SENAN), plays a key role in the Central American country’s security. With more than two decades of experience and solid training, evidenced by specialized courses in leadership, border security, riverine operations, and surface…

Salvadoran Armed Forces, Committed to State Sovereignty and Regional Cooperation Champion

Salvadoran Armed Forces, Committed to State Sovereignty and Regional Cooperation Champion

Throughout his more than 30-year military career, Vice Admiral Exón Oswaldo Ascencio Albeño has held key positions at the national level and important posts abroad, including chief of Operations for the Multinational Force in Iraq, military observer for the United Nations (U.N.) in Sudan, and intelligence and training officer in Afghanistan. His military and professional training took him across the…

Argentina, US, Toward a much Closer Collaboration

Argentina, US, Toward a much Closer Collaboration

With nearly 40 years of experience in the Argentine Navy, holding various positions in artillery units, including that of commander, Captain Alberto Ismael Álvarez now focuses on strengthening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between the Argentine Armed Forces and their U.S. counterparts. His experience on the international stage, such as his participation on two occasions in the United Nations…

Panama, US Strengthen Collaboration with First Foreign Liaison Officer at SOUTHCOM

Panama, US Strengthen Collaboration with First Foreign Liaison Officer at SOUTHCOM

With more than 20 years actively contributing to the security of his nation with Panama’s National Border Service (SENAFRONT), Commissioner Raymond Cáceres Cedeño now focuses on strengthening the Panama-U.S. collaboration and partnership. His experience as director of Intelligence and director of Operations of the SENAFRONT, as well as his training in complex, joint, interinstitutional, and multinational environments, are valuable assets…

Belize Defence Force, Committed to Building the Force, International Cooperation

Belize Defence Force, Committed to Building the Force, International Cooperation

Three years ago, Brigadier General Azariel Loria took on the command of the Belize Defence Force (BDF), vowing to strengthen the BDF’s capabilities, embrace change, and contribute to the stability, security, and prosperity of the Central American country. Under his leadership, the BDF has worked diligently to curb narcotrafficking, support the population with humanitarian operations, all while enhancing the troops’…

Jamaica Defence Force, Leading the Region by Example

Jamaica Defence Force, Leading the Region by Example

Under the leadership of Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, chief of Defense Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the JDF has been playing a key role in strengthening the fight against common threats in the region for a more secure Caribbean. Diálogo had the opportunity to speak with Vice Adm. Wemyss-Gorman during the early December 2024 Caribbean Security Conference (CANSEC),…

Military Institutional Strengthening, Pivotal Goal of Dominican Defense Minister Onofre

Military Institutional Strengthening, Pivotal Goal of Dominican Defense Minister Onofre

Strengthening the Armed Forces’ strategic areas is one of the main objectives of Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, minister of Defense of the Dominican Republic. His decades of service, extensive trajectory in the Army, and the many positions he held within the General Staff allow Lt. Gen. Onofre to lead the men and women of the Armed Forces with…

Training as the Bedrock of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force

Training as the Bedrock of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force

With a professional military career spanning more than 30 years and as the highest-ranking military officer of his country, Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel, chief of Defense Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), is committed to developing the skills and strength of the men and women of the TTDF and instill in them a true passion for…

Effective Coordination and Interoperability, Central Axis of Paraguayan Military Forces

Effective Coordination and Interoperability, Central Axis of Paraguayan Military Forces

Army Major General Nery Torres Laconich, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Paraguayan Military Forces Command, is committed to guaranteeing the interoperability of the Military Forces to efficiently prevent and combat new regional threats. With a military career spanning more than 30 years, Maj. Gen. Laconich has served as director of the Institute for Advanced Strategic Studies,…

International Support and Cooperation, Key for Complex Scenarios

International Support and Cooperation, Key for Complex Scenarios

Diálogo spoke briefly with Argentine Army Colonel Pablo Alberto Filippini, Emergency Assistance military director of the Operational Command of the Argentine Armed Forces’ Joint Chiefs of Staff, during his visit to U.S. Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) headquarters, as part of the Senior Leader Logistics Symposium, held in the second quarter of 2024. During the conversation, Col. Filippini stressed the importance of…

Logistics, Backbone of Military Operations

Logistics, Backbone of Military Operations

Diálogo had the opportunity to hold a brief conversation with Argentine Navy Captain Juan José Deandrea, director of Logistics Coordination of the Argentine Armed Forces’ Joint Chiefs of Staff, during his visit to U.S. Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) headquarters in the second quarter of 2024. Among other topics, Capt. Deandrea reiterated the critical importance of logistics in all military operations. Diálogo:…

Leadership, Assets, and International Collaboration, Critical Tools in the Fight Against Organized Crime

Leadership, Assets, and International Collaboration, Critical Tools in the Fight Against Organized Crime

  At the head of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces’ Joint Command since December 2023, at a very critical time in the history of the South American country, Admiral Jaime Patricio Vela Erazo must, among many challenges, maintain the operational rhythm of the Armed Forces to curb transnational criminal groups and bring back security to the people. Diálogo had the opportunity…