The Naval War College conducted a Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) Flag Officer Course at U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Miami Florida, May 4-8.

This year marks the second offering of the CFMCC Course for the U.S. Southern Command area of operation. The course is comprised of admirals and senior captains from Brazil, Canada, Chile Colombia, El Salvador, Panama, Peru, Netherlands, Uruguay and the United States. These senior naval leaders met in Miami to discuss topics such as command and control, multinational operations, information-sharing and maritime security.

Among the speakers were the commanders of U.S. Southern Command the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations and the Colombian Chief of Naval Operations.

"The CFMCC Course provides a wonderful opportunity for partner navies to network leading to a better understanding of each other's security challenges and concerns," said Rear Adm. George Ballance, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. "Forging such an understanding builds trust and confidence, which is an indispensable commodity as we work together to address our common security challenges."

Twenty-one executive-level attendees received a series of presentations and participated in advanced discussions with senior leaders and subject matter experts to develop perspectives for the effective employment of maritime forces in a joint, coalition and/or interagency environment.

The CFMCC Course gives these officers the chance to foster a network of international military leaders who can work together in support of theater and regional cooperation agreements.

The value of these relationships have been proven in recent years as the U.S. Navy and other countries participate in exercises and humanitarian missions such as Continuing Promise, UNITAS and PANAMAX.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet support U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.