Dominican Navy concludes joint military training with U.S. forces

Peravia, DR.- The Dominican Republic Navy concluded the Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET), along with the Basic Diving Courses 011-012 and the Naval Special Forces Qualification Course (CCUFEN), during a ceremony held at the Las Calderas Naval Base.

The event was led by Defense Minister Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, accompanied by Vice Admiral Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez, commander general of the Dominican Navy, and United States Ambassador Leah Francis Campos.

Military officials, including members of the Armed Forces General Staff and senior Navy officers, attended the ceremony, which highlighted the strengthening of tactical and operational capabilities within the naval institution.

During his remarks, Vice Admiral Crisóstomo Martínez emphasized that the training programs are key to enhancing interoperability, international cooperation, and the operational readiness of Dominican naval special forces in addressing maritime security and defense challenges. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation with the United States in developing specialized training initiatives that allow for the exchange of operational knowledge, military doctrine, and tactical experience.

The ceremony included an operational demonstration showcasing the skills acquired by participants during the exercises. Members of the Dominican Navy and the Alpha ODA 735 team of the US Army Green Berets participated in the demonstration, reflecting the level of tactical preparation achieved through the joint training.

According to the Dominican Navy, joint exercises play a critical role in strengthening the country’s response capabilities against transnational threats, maritime crimes, rescue operations, and the protection of strategic infrastructure.

The Basic Diving Course focused on training military personnel in underwater operations, rescue techniques, maritime safety, and specialized naval missions, while the CCUFEN program was designed to develop advanced tactical skills, amphibious operations, and special combat capabilities.

The Navy stated that these initiatives form part of its ongoing modernization and institutional strengthening strategy aimed at maintaining highly trained forces capable of defending national sovereignty and protecting the Dominican Republic’s maritime territory.