Lieutenant General Joel “JB” Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), arrived in Colombo today (29) for engagements from September 29–October 1, becoming the highest-ranking U.S. Army officer to travel to Sri Lanka. 

His visit marks an important milestone in growing U.S.–Sri Lanka Army-to-Army cooperation, according to the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka.

“Lieutenant General Vowell’s historic visit reflects the growing strength of our security partnership with Sri Lanka and our shared commitment to delivering results,” said U.S. Ambassador Eric Meyer. “By training together, strengthening interoperability, and sharpening our ability to respond to crises, we are better prepared to protect our people and strengthen security across the Indian Ocean.”

Lieutenant General Vowell will meet with senior Sri Lankan military officials to discuss opportunities to strengthen interoperability, readiness, and defense cooperation. Discussions will include upcoming joint military exercises, capacity-building initiatives, and cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR). 

Lieutenant General Vowell will also address the next generation of military leaders, and the important role professional military forces play in supporting regional security and stability.

Lieutenant General Vowell’s visit underscores the United States’ sustained commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific, builds on the momentum of the successful Land Forces Talks in May, and reflects the practical, results-driven nature of the U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership, the statement said.

Lieutenant General Joel “JB” Vowell received his commission as an Infantry officer from the University of Alabama in 1991. During his career, he has been stationed in Europe, the Pacific, the Middle East, and many posts across the United States.

LTG Vowell has been on three combat tours in Afghanistan and two in Iraq, including both surge campaigns. He commanded the 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment (“No Slack”) and the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (“Rakkasans”) of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. LTG Vowell was a War College Fellow at Stanford University and later was the Army Chief of Staff’s Senior Fellow to the Brookings Institution followed by his assignment as Executive Officer to the Secretary of the Army.

He has been the Deputy Commanding General (Operations) for 25th Infantry Division, as well as the Deputy J5/Strategy Plans and Policy, USINDOPACOM. He was the Commanding General of US Army Japan/I Corps (FWD) and his last assignment was as Commander, CJTF-Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. LTG Vowell is currently serving as the Deputy Commanding General for the United States Army Pacific Command in Fort Shafter, Hawaii.