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Bilateral Conference plans Future Engagements for US, Chile Navies

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS111104-26
11/4/2011

From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Delegates from the U.S. Navy met with members of the Chilean navy Nov. 2-3 during the annual Operational Naval Committee (ONC) conference.

Hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (USNAVSO) in Mayport, the ONC is organized to discuss and plan upcoming maritime operations, exercises, and theater security cooperation events that the U.S. and Chile intend to conduct. The ONC brings together representatives from the U.S. and Chilean navy so they may meet in person and share insights on their countries mutual goals of maritime security in Latin America.

Rear Adm. Kurt Tidd, commander, USNAVSO and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) welcomed the Chilean delegates.

"It is my pleasure to welcome you to this conference, one which I hope will improve our navies' interoperability, enhance our mutual security, and continue to further the strong friendships between the U.S. and Chilean navies," said Tidd.

Tidd also mentioned the importance of continuing to find unique ways to increase information sharing amongst the two navies, especially in today's resource challenged environment. He discussed the critical role of secure information exchange systems in advancing our navies ability to collaborate during exercises and day-to-day real world operations.

"I would like this conference to focus on a progression of interoperability which will facilitate increased Chilean integration into multinational operations," said Tidd. "I would also like to recognize our Special Operations and U.S. Marine Corps representatives and emphasize our commitment in synchronizing all of our combined actions."

The U.S. and Chile have a strong maritime partnership and have conducted several multinational exercises and operations together. This year, during Southern Seas, Chile hosted the Pacific phase of UNITAS 52, where USS Boone (FFG 28) and USS Thach (FFG 43) along with ships from four other countries participated in the two-week long multi-national exercise designed to enhance security cooperation and improve coalition operations.

Last June, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 conducted subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) with Chilean salvage and tactical divers in Valparaiso, Chile, in support of Navy Dive-Southern Partnership Station 2011.

Team Work South, a biannual exercise focusing heavily on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) was conducted in October off the coast of Chile. The exercise allowed for joint ASW operations utilizing surface, air and underwater assets from the Chilean, French, Royal and U.S. navies. Additionally in October, a four-man team from MDSU 2 assisted Chilean officials as they searched for a Chilean aircraft that crashed off the coast of Chile.

"As these conferences have much to do about working toward mutual security, I would hope that you also take the opportunity to get together as friends, develop relationships, and learn about the culture of our two nations," said Tidd.

Though ONCs have been held for years, the agreements they produce and engagements they lead to directly support the nation's maritime strategy, which emphasizes cooperative relationships with international partners.

"I look forward to this great opportunity to be a part of this ONC," said Capt. Luis Sánchez, director, Plans and Doctrine, Office of the Chief of Staff, Chilean navy. "I know this conference will go a long way in preparing for future engagements in South America."

COMUSNAVSO/C4F supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.