U.S. Southern Command and Dominican Republic bolster strategic security partnership

Santo Domingo.- Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), has concluded an official visit to the Dominican Republic aimed at strengthening strategic alliances between the two nations on matters of defense, regional cooperation, and hemispheric security.

The visit’s agenda included high-level meetings with Dominican Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, and the General Staff of the Armed Forces. As part of the program, Admiral Holsey toured the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence (C5i) Center, where he was briefed on the technological and operational capabilities used by the Armed Forces to respond to threats and emergencies.

A focus on interoperability and Shared Threats

During the meetings, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in boosting interoperability between their forces and developing joint initiatives to counter transnational threats. The discussions also focused on improving humanitarian assistance missions and strengthening disaster preparedness, all contributing to regional stability and security.

In recognition of his distinguished career and contributions to strengthening military and strategic ties between the two countries, Admiral Holsey was awarded the “Naval Order of Merit” by order of Dominican President Luis Abinader. The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Defense headquarters, was presided over by Minister Fernández Onofre.

Following the military honors and signing of the distinguished visitors’ book, Admiral Holsey and the Minister of Defense exchanged institutional gifts. This act reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to continue building a strategic relationship founded on trust, cooperation, and the defense of common interests throughout the hemisphere.