SANTIAGO, Chile (July 5, 2019)- The “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 participated in UNITAS LX (60), a longstanding, multinational maritime exercise from June 23 to July 3, 2019.
UNITAS LX included a variety of ships, aircraft, and approximately 1800 personnel from 13 different nations including host nation Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Germany, Honduras, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
UNITAS, Latin for ‘unity,’ is the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise. Conceived in 1959 and first executed in 1960, UNITAS is a demonstration of U.S. commitment to the region and the strong relationships forged between our partner nations and their militaries. In addition to the Pacific phase of UNITAS LX, there will be Atlantic and Amphibious phases hosted by Brazil in August.
The 2019 iteration of UNITAS Pacific covered a variety of naval warfare missions, as crews from 10 warships and eight/type model aircraft including VP-4’s Combat aircrews (CAC) TWO and NINE participated in the exercise. Participating navies shared their expertise during scenario-driven maritime operations. The crews executed littoral warfare, anti-piracy, maritime interdiction, counter trans-national organized crime, anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare, communications, air, and amphibious operations that increased interoperability and capability between partner nations.
“It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to train with great Aviators, Sailors, and Submariners from so many different countries,” said Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Rodeck, officerincharge of the VP-4 detachment. “We all learn from each other, refine our tradecraft, and enjoy the wonderful food and culture of Chile.”
Lt. Corey Smith, a VP-4 pilot, embarked aboard the Chilean navy frigate Almirante Williams (FF-19) in order to promote air-to-sea support and gain experience working with a different nation’s Navy.
“Participating in UNITAS is a unique opportunity,” said Smith. “Working with a multi-national staff, I have been able to coordinate air operations between rotary and fixed wing aircraft as well as twelve surface ships in the exercise. This exercise underscores the interoperability and cooperation of our partner nations, and highlights the importance of maintaining our relationships with these professionals.”
Exercises like UNITAS help reinforce our permanent geographical and cultural ties and demonstrate the flexibility of maritime forces to meet regional and global challenges.
| Date Taken: | 07.05.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 07.18.2019 12:46 |
| Story ID: | 331998 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 46 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, VP-4 Participates in UNITAS LX Exercise, by PO1 Juan Sua, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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