Marine Leaders of The Americas Conference (MLAC) 2025

Cpl. Derek R. Connelly, Security Cooperation Task Force (SCTF), observes Colombian Marine Proffessional Victor Velasquez during M249 Squad automatic weapon drills, Feb.1. The weapons drills were conducted aboard Marine Infantry Training Base in Covenas as a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) in support of Amphibious Southern Partnership Station 2011. A-SPS 11 will focus on strengthening our existing regional partnerships and encouraging the establishment of new relationships through the exchange of maritime mission-focused knowledge and expertise so each participating country will improve capabilities in what it considers key maritime security mission areas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brittany J. Kohler)