Peruvian Submarine Arrives in Norfolk

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Forces/Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va (NNS) -- The Peruvian submarine BAP Angamos (SS 31) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk July 22 for a scheduled port visit as part of a Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) deployment.

Commanded by Capitan de Fragata Luis Del Carpio Azalgara, Angamos is partnering with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready group and participate in a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), occurring off the East Coast of the United States. COMPTUEX provides realistic training environments for participating naval forces, which closely replicates operational challenges routinely encountered during military operations around the world.

"This is an excellent opportunity for the Angamos to receive some realistic training with the U.S. Navy," said Del Carpio. "It not only benefits the Peruvian submarine force in receiving valuable anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training with a nuclear force, it also benefits the U.S. Navy in combating the capabilities of a diesel-electric submarine."

In partnering with South American navies to employ diesel-electric submarines in support of fleet readiness events off the East and West coasts, the DESI program was established in 2001 by U.S. Fleet Forces Command. DESI is executed by Commander, Submarine Forces and serves to enhance the ability of the Navy's fleet to counter the growing diesel-electric submarine threat.

During a typical DESI deployment, U.S. and South American units work together to engage in various ASW training scenarios. The participation of South American submarines in fleet training and certification events adds an additional degree of difficulty and reality to fleet ASW training exercises, as diesel submarines have proven to be elusive and difficult to track.

The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group which is comprised of Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), and amphibious platform dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15).