SOUTHCOM Debuts New Military Home In Doral
DORAL (CBS4) -Fighter jets roared their salute Friday over the new U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Doral. A ribbon cutting ceremony cemented long distance and long range ties, both to the South Florida community and the Latin American and Caribbean regions SOUTHCOM has at the core of its mission.
The military command's $400 million headquarters will be home to 2300 military and civilian personnel. The sprawling complex has a new state of the art communication center and promises better coordination of far flung efforts spanning military, security and humanitarian missions. SOUTHCOM's role in Haiti earthquake relief efforts this year are a prime example of that ongoing work.
Air Force General Douglas Fraser, SOUTHCOM commander, told the gathered dignitaries, "This building demonstrates the commitment of the United States to sustaining the important relationships we have with our military partners and countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean."
Local political and civic leaders are beaming. Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce president Barry Johnson told CBS4's Michael Williams, "This is a global destination and Miami has come into its own through SOUTHCOM and the many businesses that have headquartered here. Certainly having SOUTHCOM here validates us as really being a significant force in the region."
