UNITAS, an annual joint train, introduced collectively naval forces from 20 nations in Colombia to reinforce interoperability and improve the collective functionality to reply to evolving maritime safety challenges. The occasion kicked-off with a gap ceremony the place Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro delivered remarks.
“After I assumed workplace because the 78th Secretary of the Navy in August of 2021, I made enhancing strategic partnerships one among our Division’s high enduring priorities,” stated Del Toro. “Belief, proficiency, and interoperability are core tenets of our partnerships as we work collectively to advance our widespread pursuits within the Western Hemisphere, sustaining the soundness and safety needed for financial prosperity.”
Naval Particular Warfare’s (NSW) involvement in UNITAS demonstrated america Navy’s dedication to maritime dominance and showcased the essential function performed by particular operations forces in reaching this goal. Coaching alongside Colombian particular operations forces, the SEALs practiced touchdown and launching fight rubber raiding craft boats onto the Los Angeles-Class assault submarine USS Pasadena’s (SSN 752) stern deck, refining their tactical talents within the operational area.
“UNITAS offered a singular alternative to work with SOCSOUTH aligned particular operations forces within the area, to advance our abilities and practice towards contingency operations,” stated the SEAL commander on the bottom overseeing the coaching. “Working alongside our companion nations provides one other diploma of interoperability, whereas demonstrating to our allies why we stay the companion of alternative within the SOUTHCOM AOR, and sends a message of a united Western Hemisphere.”
Throughout UNITAS, the SEALs engaged in rigorous coaching workout routines alongside Brazilian, Chilean, Colombian, Dominican, Ecuadorian, French, Paraguayan, and Peruvian particular operations counterparts, exchanging finest practices and ways to strengthen their collective talents. Throughout CQC, the SEALs honed their abilities in working in confined areas, a vital side of maritime particular operations. The VBSS coaching targeted on refining strategies for boarding and looking vessels, making certain they’re prepared to guard worldwide regulation and safeguard all nations’ inherent proper to freedom of the seas.
Partnerships lie on the coronary heart of america’ nationwide protection technique, and NSW’s engagement in UNITAS 64 exemplifies this precept. By working alongside companion nations, they fostered sturdy relationships, deepened mutual understanding, and improved operational effectiveness. This train served as a testomony to america’ dedication to maritime safety and working in every single place worldwide regulation permits.
UNITAS, which is Latin for unity, united, or oneness, was conceived in 1959 when representatives on the first Inter-American Naval Convention in Panama agreed to conduct an annual maritime train with each other. Previous to UNITAS I in 1960, U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Arleigh Burke reviewed preparations for the multinational train. He recommended planners for his or her progress, particularly in constructing appropriate communication methods amongst navies, and predicted that UNITAS would construct sturdy relationships amongst sailors of the Western Hemisphere.
The Colombian navy hosted this 12 months’s UNITAS, which featured 26 warships/vessels, three submarines, 25 plane (fastened wing/helicopter), and roughly 7,000 individuals from 20 companion nations. Forces performed operations off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia, and ashore in Covenas and Barranquilla, Colombia.
Naval Particular Warfare Group 2 produces, trains, helps, and deploys the world’s premier maritime particular operations commandos to conduct full-spectrum operations and built-in deterrence that assist nationwide aims. For extra info, go to https://www.nsw.navy.mil/
