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U.S. Navy Supports Chilean UNITAS

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060728-26
Release Date: 7/29/2006 7:00:00 AM

From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

MEJILLONES, Chile (NNS) -- Navies from seven countries, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Spain and the United States, are participating in exercise UNITAS 2006 Pacific Phase, from July 24 through Aug. 4 off the coast of Chile.

UNITAS Pacific 2006 is designed to train each navy in a variety of maritime scenarios to improve interoperability with seamanship and warfighting training, with each operating as a component of the multinational force.

“We have put together a challenging, exciting exercise that will rely each country’s own skills, but improve interoperability for this multinational force,” said Rear Adm. Cristián Gantes Young, commander in chief of Squadron, Chilean navy, and serving as the multinational force commander for this year’s exercise.

This exercise enhances readiness for combined operations and promotes regional stability through the interaction and exchange of skills and ideas.

While the ships gathered in this port city north of central Chile to receive supplies and make final plans for their time at sea, sailors and coast guardsmen from each country were able to participate in many local events.

The Chilean navy arranged a sports tournament, including tug-of-war, basketball, soccer and volleyball. Teams from each ship competed against each other to see who would take top honors during this exercise.

The multinational force also worked on several community relations (COMREL) projects that included painting and making minor repairs to a local child care center, a home for disabled children, and a local retirement community.

“Getting the opportunity to work alongside Sailors of other navies was the best way to learn about each other off the ship,” explained Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Alex Anderson from USS Halyburton (FFG 40). “The COMREL project goals were so clear that not even a major detail like the language barrier between Spanish and English got in our way. I look forward to many more projects like this in the future.”

Gantes and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 40 Capt. Randy Snyder visited the COMREL locations and sporting events. Snyder said he was impressed with the excitement and enthusiasm everyone shared during the athletic competitions and with the scope of the COMREL projects that “made significant improvements to the community’s infrastructure.”

The multinational force consists of more than 3,600 personnel, with five nations providing ships or aircraft. Ecuador and Mexico are providing staff and observers of the various events.

UNITAS exercises have occurred in South America since 1947 and represent the continued effort to enhance mutual cooperation and understanding between participating navies. The work these navies do together develops and improves interoperability in naval operations among regional nations.

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusns/.