The guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) is underway with, from left, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Thetis (WMEC 910), the Chilean Navy frigate Almirante Blanco Encalada (FF-15), and the Brazilian Navy frigate BNS Constituicao (F42) during UNITAS Gold, the 50th iteration of the longest-running multinational maritime exercise in the world. Naval units from the U.S. are participating in several realistic tactical training scenarios with maritime forces from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay off the coast of Florida April 20-May 5. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Kuzlik/Released)By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Brandon Shelander, Southern Seas Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) completed a four-month Southern Seas 2009 deployment to Latin America Aug. 5.
"The requirements for this deployment varied greatly. From multinational exercises that stressed anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime interdiction operation (MIO) capabilities, to theater security port visits and receptions, this deployment demanded a diverse set of skills from the Kauffman crew," said Cmdr. Dale W. Maxey, Kauffman's commanding officer.
Kauffman participated in UNITAS Gold, the 50th iteration of the UNITAS exercise, during the first part of the deployment, then moved on to Colombia where ships from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and the United States participated in Operacion Multinacional Alianza, a post-UNITAS Gold naval exercise hosted by Colombia.
"Through these operations, we continue to get better at our ability to communicate and coordinate security operations," said Maxey. "I was particularly pleased with our interoperability with our partner nations during the multinational exercises."
Kauffman then participated in a bilateral exercise with Peru. For several days, the units conducted integrated ASW exercises off the coast of Lima, Peru.
Kauffman also participated in Team Work South (TWS) 2009 with participants from Brazil, Chile, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. TWS 2009, hosted by the Chilean Navy, is a multinational exercise that includes surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, maritime interdiction operations, littoral operations and anti-piracy events. The exercise is focused on creating a multinational task group that operates together in a multi-threat environment.
Every port visit included military-to-military subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) and community relations (COMREL) projects as well as deliveries of Project Handclasp items. Project Handclasp is a collection of donated items which include medical and hygiene supplies delivered around the world by the U.S. military.
"This is all part of a dual humanitarian aid project," said Lt. Cmdr Jose Molina, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 chaplain, who was the lead organizer for the events. "The first part is where we go to a school or a designated area within the community and do light repairs. The other part is Project Handclasp donations. What we're doing here is all about being partners and helping each other out. It's a great experience, not only for me, but for our Sailors to come ashore, roll up their sleeves and lend a hand."
Kauffman completed the four-month Southern Seas 2009 deployment in support of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)'s Partnership of the Americas strategy.
Southern Seas focuses on working with partner nations in the region conducting exercises, military-to-military engagements and theater security cooperation engagements to enhance interoperability. This year's deployment included Kauffman, USS Doyle (FFG 39), USS Ford (FFG 54). Doyle is scheduled to continue the deployment for two more months. Southern Seas is executed by DESRON 40 as Commander, Task Group 40.0.