Admiral Tidd Takes Command of Southcom

Press Release

Navy Adm. Kurt W. Tidd took command of U.S. Southern Command during a ceremony at Southcom's headquarters here today, succeeding Marine Corps Gen. John F. Kelly, who is retiring after four decades of service.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presided over the ceremony.

"We count on you to be there when it matters most," Carter said, noting that Southcom's priorities include responding to natural disasters, detainee operations at Guantanamo, preparing for contingencies, confronting criminal networks and disrupting human and drug trafficking.

Southcom, which is responsible for U.S. military operations in Central and South America and the Caribbean, has an area of responsibility of more than 16 million square miles.

"You work with partner nations to promote the rule of law and democratic principles, and help to strengthen professional, accountable militaries that respect human rights," Carter said of the command.

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