Marine Gen. John F. Kelly, U.S. Southern Command commander, discusses the mission of the 612th Air and Space Operations Center with Col. James Bortree, 612th AOC commander here, Jan. 14. The 612th AOC provides command and control of air and space power in USSOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility, to include 31 countries covering a sixth of the world’s land mass and 559 million people. The $55 million facility, which spans 26,750 square ft., operates 24-hours-a-day to support joint and coalition efforts in the Caribbean, Central America and South America.
General Kelly is greeted by Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, on the flight line here Jan. 14. Kelly, who assumed his current role Nov. 19, was on his first visit to 12th AF (AFSOUTH) which serves as the air arm of USSOUTHCOM. During the visit, Kelly met with Airmen assigned to 12th AF (AFSOUTH), the 612th Air and Space Operations Center, and the 612th Air Communications Squadron, as well as Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 1st Battlefield Coordination Detachment.
General Kelly is briefed on the mission and equipment of the 612th Air Communications Squadron by Airman 1st Class Markeith Davis. As part of 12th AF (AFSOUTH), the 612th ACOMS provides communications support and deployable communications capabilities for U.S. forces working in the Caribbean, Central America and South America.
