United States
Australia
United Kingdom
Europe
New Zealand
Canada
DORAL, Florida — U.S. Southern Command has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, a new, purpose-built headquarters designed to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners to counter threats, bolster regional security, and respond rapidly to crises across the Western Hemisphere.
Gen. Francis L. Donovan directed the activation, establishing unified command and control at the tactical and operational levels and integrating U.S. military capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition to increase effectiveness against threats that undermine regional security and affect the United States and partner nations. The task force also expands SOUTHCOM’s capacity to respond quickly to contingencies and humanitarian crises throughout the region.
“JTF-WHEM strengthens our ability to work alongside trusted allies and partners, synchronize military capabilities and apply sustained pressure against the networks that threaten our collective security,” Donovan said. “Together, we are increasing security across the hemisphere and protecting our homeland.”
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard was selected to command the new task force. He most recently led U.S. military support to U.S. Department of State-led disaster relief operations following the June 2026 earthquakes in Venezuela.
As SOUTHCOM’s operational headquarters for missions across the region, the task force will integrate intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, operational planning and multinational coordination to increase pressure on nefarious organizations operating throughout the Western Hemisphere. Working with A3C partners, it will strengthen intelligence sharing, expand combined training, enhance interoperability, support maritime interdiction, build partner capacity, and remain prepared to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
“Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere is SOUTHCOM’s action arm for confronting threats across the hemisphere,” Donovan said. “Purpose-built and task-organized, this headquarters brings together tailored military capabilities and trusted partnerships to increase total systemic friction, operational tempo, impose sustained pressure on criminal organizations and strengthen the security of the United States and our partners. Together with the 18 nations of A3C, we are changing the way we confront these threats.”
The move reinforces a whole-of-government and multinational approach to defending the homeland, strengthening regional partnerships and promoting a secure, stable and prosperous Western Hemisphere.
