211214-N-DB801-0003 MAYPORT, Fla. – (Dec. 14, 2021) -- Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, delivers opening remarks during the annual Maritime Synchronization Conference onboard Naval Station Mayport, Dec. 14, 2021. The conference joins U.S. Navy attachés, section chiefs and other theater stakeholders from the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, which encompasses the Caribbean, Central and South America to discuss common naval issues and concerns to develop innovative solutions for current and future operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor/Released)