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Peruvian Sub BAP Arica Completes Successful U.S. Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080930-05
By Lt. Kevin A. Beatley, Commander Submarine Force Assistant Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative Program Manager

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Peruvian Submarine BAP Arica (SS-36) recently completed a successful deployment to the U.S. East Coast to participate in various submarine training exercises and events while supporting the U.S. Navy Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI).

BAP Arica was in the United States to extend Peru's focus on partner-nation interaction and training and operated in the area throughout the spring and summer. Her 142-day deployment was the seventh consecutive Peruvian submarine deployment in support of DESI, making Peru the longest participant in the program to date and demonstrating the capabilities of their modern submarine force.

Arica's deployment was highlighted by participation in the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Carrier Strike Group's Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) along with other foreign vessels. She proved to be a formidable adversary and brought realism to the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training events allowing all units to gain experience operating against a quiet platform.

BAP Arica also participated as opposition force (OPFOR) in the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) Expeditionary Strike Group's COMPTUEX where she was crucial in completing theater ASW training objectives. When not training with an entire CSG or ESG, Arica flawlessly conducted trials at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) as well as provided a target platform for the ASW Helicopter Squadrons based out of Mayport, Florida.

In port, the crew of Arica enjoyed the hospitality of Mayport Naval Station and Kings Bay Submarine Base where the crew rested and completed minor maintenance for their successful underway operations. They honed their tactical skills during the port visit to Kings Bay when the crew had the opportunity to utilize the training facilities at the Trident Training Facility. Throughout their stay in the United States, the crew was able to foster friendly relationships with U.S. personnel, furthering the success of this bilateral program and ensuring successful future joint operations between the two navies.

Arica departed Mayport in route to Callao, Peru, Aug. 11 and has completed a port visit to U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, making her the first submarine to visit Guantanamo Bay in more than 15 years.