Originally posted article at Navy.mil
MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval and maritime forces from 11 nations gathered in Panama City, Panama to begin UNITAS 2016, which began Sept. 18 and concludes Sept. 28.
Participants include the United States, Panama, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Peru and the United Kingdom in the U.S. Navy's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise.
The 10-day exercise is hosted by the Panamanian navy and will include operations in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility. Participating units from the United States include expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1), USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913), Joint Task Force (JTF)-Bravo with 3 H-60 Blackhawk helicopters, VBAT unmanned aerial system (UAS), Puma UAS (TBC), Destroyer Squadron 40 (DESRON 40) and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet.
UNITAS 2016 is designed to train each navy to conduct joint naval operations, through the execution of littoral warfare, anti-piracy, maritime interdiction operations (MIO), countering transnational organized crime (CTOC), anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare, communications exercises and air operations in order to increase interoperability and capability between participating naval forces.
The 57th iteration of the exercise, this year's UNITAS will focus on promoting tactical interoperability and friendship through advanced training and joint operations.
The first UNITAS was planned in 1959 and took place in 1960; it has occurred annually ever since. UNITAS, which means "unity" in Latin, is a demonstration of the U.S. commitment to the region and to the value of the strong relationships forged between our partner militaries.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.
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