St. Croix, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health and VI Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) on Thursday met with senior medical and logistics leadership from Air Force Southern (AFSOUTH) for an engagement focused on the Territory’s public health preparedness and emergency response coordination.

“This engagement reflects the importance of strong partnerships in protecting public health, particularly in island and Caribbean settings,” said Justa Encarnacion, VI Health Commissioner. “We were happy to share our experiences, lessons learned, and operational realities.”

AFSOUTH is the U.S. Air Force component of U.S. Southern Command. SOUTHCOM is responsible for U.S. military operations and security cooperation with Caribbean, Central American, and South American partner nations, including humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and medical readiness.

AFSOUTH is responsible for planning and executing Air Force activities in support of U.S. military operations and security cooperation throughout Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, excluding U.S. territories. Its mission includes humanitarian assistance and disaster response, medical readiness, aeromedical evacuation, and coordination with civilian and international partners to strengthen regional health and emergency response capabilities.

The visiting delegation included AFSOUTH Surgeon General, Col. Brian Gavitt, and Deputy Surgeon General Lt. Col. Erica Lopez and TSgt. Clarence Hall, medical logistician with SOUTHCOM. The meeting provided an opportunity for open dialogue and information-sharing around civilian and military coordination during major emergencies.

In attendance alongside Commissioner Encarnacion were Daryl Jaschen, VITEMA Director, and for the VI Department of Health: Reuben Molloy, Assistant Commissioner, Dr. Esther Ellis, Territorial Epidemiologist, Aesha Rivers, Preparedness Division Director, and Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne, Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program Director. Joining virtually were Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, the Department’s Chief Medical Officer and Stephany Vento, Regional Emergency Coordinator for Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

During the engagement, Health’s leadership presented an overview of the Department’s public health mission and its lead role under Emergency Support Function 8 (Public Health and Medical Services). Presentations highlighted the VI Department of Health’s efforts to support the territory’s hospitals, manage limited resources, and address the operational challenges of providing care across a multi-island health system.

Key discussion areas included patient movement and tracking, infectious disease preparedness, and coordination during large-scale emergencies such as hurricanes or disease outbreaks. The VI Department of Health also discussed the use of federal assets, including the Joint Patient Assessment and Tracking System (JPATS), when appropriate, to support medical evacuation and continuity of care during disasters.

As part of the meeting, AFSOUTH representatives also received a presentation on the territory’s Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program, including planning efforts for a forthcoming full-scale emergency exercise known as Operation Guardian Angels. The exercise is designed to assess and strengthen pediatric emergency response and coordination among territorial and federal partners.

The meeting concluded with the identification of potential areas for continued dialogue and collaboration. Participants emphasized the value of relationship-building and ongoing communication in enhancing preparedness for future emergencies.