Military

Solid Step

The goal of Exercise Solid Step is enhanced interoperability between the Argentine Armada and the U.S. Navy, through the incorporation of an Argentinean destroyer into a U.S. Carrier Strike Group (GSG).

Exercise Solid Step is a Chief of Naval Operations' initiative under the executive management of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, Rear Adm. Vinson E. Smith. As multinational maritime operations are becoming increasingly more important, Exercise Solid Step seeks to enhance Argentine/U.S. Navy interoperability by addressing the challenges associated with sustained integrated operations.

The exercise will be conducted in two-phases. Phase One incorporates the Argentine destroyer in the U.S. Navy's Interdeployment Training Cycle, to include Carrier Strike Group work-up and interoperability exercises, such as Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). Phase Two is a proof of concept phase where Sarandi will demonstrate her interoperability, and deploy with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group.

Solid Step constitutes the first time a non-NATO ally integrates with a U.S. strike group and provides an excellent opportunity for both navies to address the different aspects of sustained integrated operations, including training, logistic, maintenance, rules of engagement, and command and control.