Rear Adm. Douglas M. Schofield, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District and director of Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast, met with Vicealmirante Ramón Gustavo Betances Hernández, Vice Minister of Defence for Naval and Coastal Affairs of the Dominican Republic, immediately following the Seventh District change of command ceremony in Miami, June 9, 2023. Rear Adm. Schofield and Vice Adm. Betances discussed the ongoing bilateral initiatives between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Dominican Republic Navy, along with efforts to advance mutual strategic security and defense initiatives in the Caribbean region. (U.S. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Rodriguez)