RIO DE JANEIRO –
UNITAS, which is Latin for “unity,” was conceived in 1959, first executed in 1960 and held yearly since. This yr marked the 63rd iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime train.
This yr’s train was hosted by the Brazilian navy and included 19 warships/vessels, one submarine, and 21 plane that performed scenario-driven joint and mixed operations and coaching in and off the coast of Rio De Janeiro. The train coincided with Brazil’s bicentennial, a historic milestone commemorating 200 years of the nation’s independence and the start of their navy.
“It’s thrilling to see 19 nations from throughout Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa collaborating in UNITAS,” stated Rear Admiral Jim Aiken, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “This train is an indication of not solely our dedication to the area, but additionally the robust relationships solid between our nations. The Western Hemisphere is our shared dwelling and workout routines like UNITAS reinforce our everlasting geographical and cultural ties, connecting us to our shared historical past and our shared future.”
Navy and marine forces from Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and america participated within the train.
Whereas the overarching purpose was to develop and check command and management of forces at-sea, coaching on this train addressed the spectrum of maritime operations. Particularly, there have been situations addressing digital warfare, anti-air warfare and air protection, anti-surface warfare, reside fireplace, maritime interdiction, littoral operations and amphibious operations.
“One of many most important advantages of UNITAS is the flexibility of all collaborating nations to coach collectively, and alternate concepts and ways,” stated Capt. Meger Chappell, deputy commander, Destroyer Squadron 40, and deputy commander, UNITAS Process Group 138.20. “Over the course of the train I noticed firsthand how the collaborating nations got here collectively as a multinational process pressure to fulfill all aims. Collectively we now have strengthened our maritime partnerships, enhanced our proficiency and improved our collaboration and interoperability.”
The train progressed in phases, starting in port with sporting occasions and neighborhood relations tasks to construct relations between associate nations.
The at-sea part included a multi-threat, multi-day state of affairs that allowed contributors to work collectively, additional rising preparedness for real-world crises that may require a multinational pressure response effort. Occasions included: floor tactical maneuvers, unlawful drug trafficking coaching, live-fire workout routines, anti-submarine warfare workout routines, air protection workout routines and maritime interdiction operations.
The amphibious part included U.S. Marines with associate nations taking positions at areas alongside the coast to coach in help of higher naval operations. This part additionally consisted of touchdown from naval vessels.
Collaborating U.S. forces in UNITAS LXII included the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753), Commander, Amphibious Squadron Eight (PHIBRON) 8, the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron 22 (HSC) 22, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70 Detachment 2 (HSM) 70 Det 2, the “Conflict Eagles” of Patrol Squadron Sixteen (VP) 9, Particular Boat Group (SBT) 22, Cellular Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, Seal Platoon from Seal Group 8, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Space Tactical Regulation Enforcement Group (TACLET), Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40, Fleet Surgical Group (FST) 8, twenty fifth Marine Regiment, 3d Battalion twenty fifth Marine Regiment, 3d Pressure Reconnaissance Firm, 4th Gentle Armored Reconnaissance Firm (4th LAR), 4th Fight Engineer Battalion (4th CEB), sixth Engineer Assist Battalion (sixth ESB), 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Firm (ANGLICO), 4th Civil Affairs Group (4th CAG), Marine Plane Group 49 (MAG-49), U.S Marine Corps Forces South (MARFORSOUTH), and USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet helps U.S. Southern Command’s joint and mixed navy operations by using maritime forces in cooperative maritime safety operations to take care of entry, improve interoperability, and construct enduring partnerships as a way to improve regional safety and promote peace, stability and prosperity within the Caribbean, Central and South American area.
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South is the Marine Corps element to U.S. Southern Command, is chargeable for planning workout routines, operation, and total Marine Corps help for the SOUTHCOM assigned space of duty.
