UNITAS 2014 Comes to a Close in Callao, Peru

By Mass communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam Henderson / U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/4th Fleet Public Affairs

CALLAO, Peru (NNS) -- Naval forces from 14 partner nations concluded UNITAS 2014, the 55th annual multinational maritime exercise, Sept. 26 in Callao, Peru, near Lima.

UNITAS 2014 was hosted by the Peruvian navy, and included 20 ships/patrol craft, submarines, helicopters maritime patrol and tactical aircraft and naval forces from the United States, Peru, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico. Personnel from Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Italy, Panama, United Kingdom and New Zealand also participated in the exercise.

UNITAS, the longest-running exercise of its type in the world, has evolved over the years and now includes training for many of the threats encountered in the 21st-century maritime environment, along with essential seamanship and navigational skills that are core competencies for maritime services in the Americas.

This year's exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase included a full range of seamanship drills and experiences, including maritime operations, electronic warfare, anti-air warfare and air defense, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and maritime interdiction operations. The second phase was a simulated at-sea war game to test all of the skills that were used and defined in the first phase.

The U.S. Navy's 4th Fleet was represented by USS Ingraham (FFG 61), USCGC Sherman (WHEC 720) and other naval units, including Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10) and Destroyer Squadron 40.

"This type of exercise is perfect for my officers and crew," Cmdr. Dan Straub, commanding officer, USS Ingraham (FFG 61). "This gave the crew the opportunity to not only communicate and operate with other ships and countries, but it gave them a sense on an operational level how things work with other countries when working together as a whole unit."

The immediate purpose of the exercise was to train participating forces in a variety of high-end maritime scenarios to test command and control of forces at sea, while operating as a multinational force to provide the maximum opportunity to improve interoperability amongst our partner nations.

"UNITAS continues to demonstrate unwavering U.S. commitment to South America, Central America and the Caribbean," said Rear Adm. Peter Clarke, deputy director, Joint Interagency Task Force South. "This exercise further solidifies relationships that improve U.S. and partners' maritime forces, and achieve common defense goals."

At the same time, the intense training resulted in a stronger coalition, multilateral security cooperation and new friendships, strict professionalism and mutual understanding among the participating partner nations.

The next UNITAS exercise is scheduled for late 2015 in Chile and Brazil.