Colombian Minister of Defense Visits Naval Special Warfare

27/02/2014

 

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Les Long, Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Public Affairs

 

NORFOLK, Va. (February 27, 2014) – The Colombian Minister of Defense, Juan Carlos Pinzon, spent the afternoon with the Commodores of Naval Special Warfare Group 2 (NSWG 2) and Naval Special Warfare Group 4 (NSWG 4) Feb. 26.

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Pinzon and his staff viewed some of the boats belonging to NSWG 4 pierside before taking a short ride on an assault boat. After the tour, Pinzon was briefed on the combined capabilities of NSWG 2 and NSWG 4.

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The Colombian Army uses Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R) to patrol its’ waterways and NSWG 4 personnel provide maintenance and operational training.

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Pinzon said “Two days ago we captured Jose Castro Geidin Chillambo, aka “El Doctor”, a ringleader in the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). It was a long, sustained operation. No doubt, the SOC-Rs contributed in closing some gaps.”

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After more than 10 years of desert conflict, SEAL jungle warfare capabilities have fallen by the wayside. The Colombian Army is helping to bring them back up to speed.

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CAPT Robert Smith, Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Commodore, said, “Our relationship with the Colombian military allows us to get that expertise back.

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Lenway said “We are heavily invested and you have my promise that we are going to do a lot of follow-through.”