Rear Admiral Takes Control of SOCSOUTH

Rear Admiral Collin P. Green, United States Navy has taken command of Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) headquartered at Homestead Air Reserve Base. SOCSouth’s mission is to plan, direct and execute special operations missions throughout Central America, South America and the Caribbean to achieve operational and strategic objectives in support of Commander, USSOUTHCOM. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in 2014.

Admiral Green was born and raised in Bowie Maryland in suburban Washington D.C., where he attended an all-boys high school. He is one of nine children. His Dad was an attorney who served first as Mayor of Bowie and then as a Maryland State Senator. His Mom was a stay at home mom but later became a school counselor.

The Admiral comes from a family of men and women who have served our country in uniform. His Dad served in the Army during the Korean War and a brother and sister served as Naval Officers after graduating from Navy ROTC. His father-in-law served as a pilot at Homestead Air Force Base. He is a 1986 graduate of the Naval Academy where he played tennis, rugby and squash. His first assignment was to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Class 149.

He has participated in special operations in Europe, Africa and Asia before coming to Homestead. He has had assignments at SEAL Teams 2, 3 and 5; he commanded SEAL Team 3 where he deployed as Naval Special Warfare Task Group to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Naval Special Warfare Unit 3 in Bahrain and Naval Special Warfare Group 1 in California. Other assignments include duty in Afghanistan.

While a student at his all-boys high school he “became aware” of Alyssa who was to become his wife and life partner. They first dated when he was in his second year at the Naval Academy. While both were living in California they became reacquainted and eventually married. Navy wife is a proud title that is well earned, often while raising children alone.

Family is a high priority with Admiral Green; he is the father of four, two girls and two boys. Two of his children are graduates of the University Southern California, another is in college and one is in high school.

Admiral Green likens Homestead to Bowie where he grew up. In his words, “Homestead cares.”

SOCSOUTH’s partnership with the local community is evident through the participation of volunteer personnel in community events and programs that include, the Special Operations Command Program (SOCMAP), JROTC mentorship, Military Affairs Committee (MAC), Homestead Military Appreciation Day, and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation Golf Tournament.

The Admiral emphasized that: "It's an honor and a privilege to command Special Operations Command South; we have an extremely important responsibility to work with our US Government and Caribbean, Central, and South American partners to enable stability, protect vital interest in the region and protect U.S. southern approaches. Equally important is the partnership and mutual support between our service members, civilians, their families, and the Homestead community.”

“There is strong military support and relationships throughout the Homestead community. SOCSOUTH is fortunate to have the commitment and support of the local community for our service members and their families and we look forward to continue this relationship for the benefit of our service members and the greater Homestead community.”

When you see Admiral Green in the community welcome him to Homestead, a proud host to military commands since 1942.

Bob Jensen is a retired Navy Commander and is president of the Florida Pioneer Museum and Homestead’s Old Town Hall Museum.