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UNITAS 49-08 Comes To A Close

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080503-03
Release Date: 5/3/2008 3:00:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riza Caparros, USS George Washington (CVN 73) Media Department

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (NNS) -- The Atlantic phase of UNITAS 49-08, a multinational exercise designed to increase the interoperability of navies in North and South America, ended May 2 with the closing ceremonies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Participants in UNITAS included elements of the Brazilian and Argentine Navies as well as the George Washington Carrier Strike Group which includes USS George Washington (CVN 73)(GW), Destroyer Squadron Four Zero, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Kauffman (FFG 59).

"UNITAS was a tremendous success. The aggressive schedule provided an excellent opportunity to train side-by-side with our South American partners and proves that our Navies can achieve more by working together," said GW Operations Officer, Cmdr. Anthony Calandra.

Lt.j.g. Jacob Steele, asst. operations and planning officer for Destroyer Squadron 40 had similar thoughts.

"UNITAS is about enhancing partnerships and cooperation between our Navies," he said. "We're forming relationships to ensure the security and stability of our nations and the waters around them."

This year's UNITAS featured complex training scenarios from across the spectrum of naval operations, from anti-submarine warfare to air defense to maritime interdiction operations.

UNITAS Atlantic is one of the exercise phases of Partnership of the Americas (POA), an annual U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) operation. POA is designed to increase interoperability and cooperation in the hemisphere, while developing stronger relationships and professional understanding between nations.

This is the 49th year UNITAS, which means 'unity' in Latin, has been held. The exercise is conducted annually in the Atlantic and Pacific waters around South America,

DESRON 40 Surface Sonar Technician Senior Chief (SW) Darren Jarvi, senior enlisted advisor and anti-submarine warfare officer described what he thinks service members have learned from their UNITAS experience.

"Through Sailor-to-Sailor exchanges, participating in community relations events and being good ambassadors, our Sailors put words into action. They learned about other country's cultures, abilities and technologies and showed pride in what we do and represent."

For more new from USS George Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.