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COMUSNAVSO Hosts Multinational Naval Training

Story Number: NNS030218-02
Release Date: 2/18/2003 8:02:00 PM

From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

PUERTO RICO (NNS) -- A multinational naval force from Colombia, Panama, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, Peru and Venezuela assembled at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads (NSRR), Puerto Rico, to commence UNITAS 44-03 Caribbean Phase, the largest maritime exercise in the region.

Hosted by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Rear Adm. Vinson E. Smith, approximately 3,000 Sailors and Coast Guard personnel from seven countries will conduct a three-week training exercise that will develop and test the forces' ability to operate together in a variety of areas, including surface, undersea and air warfare.

UNITAS 44-03 Caribbean Phase also focuses on maritime interdiction operations, counter drug operations and special warfare.

"UNITAS is the ideal venue for the navies of the Americas to demonstrate to the world our readiness and resolve to work together for mutual good and prosperity" said Smith. "At a time of world uncertainty, it is more imperative than ever that we be prepared to work together to ensure the security of our hemisphere."

The U.S. task group participating in UNITAS 44-03 Caribbean Phase is led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 14 Commodore Bernard Jackson. Jackson's force includes flagship USS O'Bannon (DD 987), guided-missile frigate USS Boone (FFG 28) and their embarked helicopter detachments, Coast Guard Cutter Spencer, auxiliary ship USNS Prevail (T-AGOS 8) and attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761), in addition to P-3C Orion aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 5.

The exercise consists of a first phase of inport seminars, a work-up phase and a scenario-driven free play.

"The freeplay portion is like a final exam," said Lt. Cmdr. Hector Samario, CDS 14 air operations officer. "It is designed to present a complex, no-notice scenario to force mission analysis and prioritization while testing competencies in all areas."

While the ships train at sea, a parallel special warfare exercise is taking place at NSRR. Navy SEALS from Naval Special Warfare Unit (NSWU) 4 will be training side-by-side with their counterparts from the Dutch Antilles, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico and Peru.

"Our training focus is operations in coastal environments," said Lt. Cmdr Cal Williams, NSWU-4 current operations officer. "Our training plan includes maritime and airborne operations as well as patrolling."

UNITAS presents an unequaled opportunity to improve the operational readiness and interoperability of U.S. and South and Central American naval forces while promoting hemispheric coalition, professionalism and mutual cooperation. It is the premier naval exercise in the region and consists primarily of three large regional multinational phases: a Caribbean phase held in February, and Pacific and Atlantic phases held in July and October, respectively.

In addition to a rigorous training schedule, U.S. Navy Sailors and Coast Guard personnel will participate in community relations projects while in St. Lucia and St. Thomas.

Now more than ever, UNITAS plays a critical role in maintaining interoperability and coalition in the American hemisphere while presenting an opportunity for U.S. Sailors and Coast Guard personnel to meet new people, visit interesting ports and experience rich new cultures.