Peruvian navy UNITAS 2014 Comes to a Close

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.