UNITAS, which is Latin for “unity,” was conceived in 1959, first executed in 1960 and held yearly since. This 12 months marked the 63rd iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime train.
This 12 months’s train was hosted by the Brazilian navy and included 19 warships/vessels, one submarine, and 21 plane that carried out 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 delivery of their navy.
“It’s thrilling to see 19 nations from throughout Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa taking part in UNITAS,” mentioned Rear Admiral Jim Aiken, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “This train is an illustration of not solely our dedication to the area, but in addition the sturdy relationships solid between our nations. The Western Hemisphere is our shared house and workouts 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 the US participated within the train.
Whereas the overarching purpose was to develop and take a look at 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 hearth, maritime interdiction, littoral operations and amphibious operations.
“One of many principal advantages of UNITAS is the power of all taking part nations to coach collectively, and trade concepts and ways,” mentioned 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 taking part nations got here collectively as a multinational process power to satisfy all targets. Collectively now we 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 group relations initiatives to construct relations between accomplice nations.
The at-sea section included a multi-threat, multi-day state of affairs that allowed individuals to work collectively, additional rising preparedness for real-world crises that may require a multinational power response effort. Occasions included: floor tactical maneuvers, unlawful drug trafficking coaching, live-fire workouts, anti-submarine warfare workouts, air protection workouts and maritime interdiction operations.
The amphibious section included U.S. Marines with accomplice nations taking positions at areas alongside the coast to coach in assist of better naval operations. This section 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 “Struggle 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 Drive Reconnaissance Firm, 4th Mild Armored Reconnaissance Firm (4th LAR), 4th Fight Engineer Battalion (4th CEB), sixth Engineer Help 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 with a purpose 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 workouts, operation, and general Marine Corps assist for the SOUTHCOM assigned space of duty.
