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UNITAS Task Force Completes Full Speed Work-Up Phase

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040720-05
Release Date: 7/20/2004 3:02:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

CALLAO, Peru (NNS) -- A 22-ship multinational task force completed 105 training events during the first week of at sea operations for UNITAS 45-04 Pacific Phase in July.

The training events ranged from surface gunnery exercises to light line transfers, and from anti-submarine and electronic warfare training to quick reaction drills and anti-ship missile defense.

Naval and Coast Guard forces from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, the United States and Peru, along with observers from Canada and Mexico, are participating in UNITAS 45-04 Pacific Phase. UNITAS is the premier multinational naval exercise in the region, which is conducted under the direction of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and hosted this year by the Peruvian navy.

"The first week of operations allows us to fine tune procedures and hone our skills in all the traditional warfare areas," said Commodore Dave Costa, commander, Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 6 and U.S. Task Group 138.0, which includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51), the guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37) and their embarked air squadrons from Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 and 37, in addition to USCGC Legare (WMEC 912) and supporting detachments from Fleet Composite Squadron (VC) 6, Afloat Training Group and the Coast Guard International Training Division (ITD).

"These [supporting] units are providing the latest training tools and methods for the task force," added Costa. "We have a great variety of training, from ITD pollution control symposiums ashore, to remote-controlled drones and Ship Deployable Surface Targets simulating realistic threats at sea. This is great training in a high-tech environment."

The training evolutions set a fast pace for the crews, who keep up with the schedule by executing one event while preparing for the next.

"I don't think it's possible to fit more exercises into a one-week period," said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Daniel Roberts, from Crommelin. "Every warfare [area] has been worked, the training value for Crommelin is immeasurable...excellent control time across multiple air frames for my ASTACs [antisubmarine tactical air controllers], and great formation steaming for junior operations specialists, and a nice refresher for us grey-haired goats."

Another unique training opportunity has been provided by the Peruvian diesel submarines and their skilled crews during anti-submarine warfare exercises involving the detection, monitoring and neutralization of threats under the surface.

"During the first week, we conducted more than 500 man-hours of training," said Senior Chief Sonar Technician (SW) Joe Christian, the sonar leading chief petty officer aboard Thomas S. Gates. "When we are in charge of the evolution, we have to plan how we are going to task all ships in the action groups and direct the employment of all the assets."

With all the work-up phase training under their belt, the UNITAS force now prepares to test its ability to operate as a unified coalition force in a realistic scenario during the final battle problem. Here, the multinational force will be tasked with a variety of missions enforcing U.N. sanctions. Together they'll prioritize tasks, manage assets, and stay flexible within the rules of engagement to achieve their ultimate UNITAS goal: interoperability.