Mulitnational Naval Forces Poised for 50th UNITAS Exercise

MAYPORT, Fla. -- Sailors, partner nations and Latin American representatives are working the final details on the exercise UNITAS Gold, the longest running, multi-national naval exercise in the world.

For nearly 49 years, UNITAS has served as the primary naval security engagement exercise amongst the militaries of the Western Hemisphere and has become the U.S. Navy’s longest-running annual multilateral exercise. Working with South American, German and Canadian partner nations, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command is planning the maritime exercise that has become an annual institution in Latin America.

"As we embark on the 50th iteration of UNITAS, we also celebrate its history and success. Through the years UNITAS has evolved to fit the landscape, needs, and mutual naval and maritime interests of the Americas and Caribbean,” said Rear Admiral Joseph Kernan, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and Commander, U.S. Fourth Fleet.

This year’s exercise will prove no different. Participants and observers invited include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay will arrive at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Fla., to take part in the annual exercise which will run from Apr. 20 to May 5, 2009.

During this two-week exercise, the United States, partner nations and Latin American countries will train together in a realistic scenario-driven training environment featuring live-fire exercises, undersea warfare, shipboard operations, maritime interdiction operations, air defense and surface warfare, amphibious operations, electronic warfare, and special warfare. In all over 30 ships, two submarines and more than a 50 aircraft are expected to participate.

“[UNITAS] has persistently provided a training and interoperability platform for partnered nations and provided great benefit to United States and Latin American Sailors, Marines, Naval Infantry and Coast Guard forces. Participating maritime services make UNITAS the success that it is today, bringing with them the ideas and best practices for maritime strategy and security from their countries,” said Kernan.

Along with their strategy for success is the ever important human element. Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard personnel will have the opportunity to train side-by-side with Latin American navies in a high-tech environment utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. The relationships that develop from this exercise will help to foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating Navies.

“As we move forward together, I am confident that future opportunities to work with our partners will not only strengthen our ability to operate together and provide for our nations security but will also build personal and professional respect and friendships," said Kernan.

The U.S. Navy representation consists of the Amphibious Transport Dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Guided Missile Destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USCGC Thetis (WMEC 910) and Guided Missile Frigates USS Doyle (FFG 39) and USS Kauffman (FFG 59).