Aldo Anfossi

Correspondent

The newspaper La Jornada
Tuesday, September 3, 2024, p. 24

Santiago. The 65th version of the Unitas naval exercise, organized annually by the United States Navy in conjunction with similar Latin American countries, began yesterday off the coast of Chile and will continue for the next 10 days with the participation of 23 countries.

Unitas 2024 brings together 4,268 people from 23 countries, with 19 floating units and 19 aircraft, from Germany, Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, South Korea, Colombia, Ecuador, United States, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom and Uruguay.

According to official information published by the Chilean Navy, this is the oldest naval exercise in the world and will serve to Strengthen diplomatic relations and international cooperation among participating countries, share experiences and knowledge in naval operations and reinforce security and stability in the South Pacific, promoting cooperation in natural disasters and maritime security..

The maneuvers will take place in three areas of the country: Coquimbo (in the north), Valparaíso (in the center) and Punta Arenas, in the far south, in the waters of the Strait of Magellan; and they include: activities not only by the fleet units, but also by special forces, marines, rescue divers, maritime authorities, helicopters and airplanes..

According to the Commander of Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Claudio Maldonado, the exercise It also allows us to show the capabilities and preparation to plan and conduct operations that the Chilean Navy has.highlighting that We have the great opportunity to share with NATO members and with countries that have the latest technologies, in such a way that we can share all the procedures and ways of operating..

Meanwhile, the second commander of the US Navy’s Fourth Fleet, Rear Admiral Richard S. Lofgren, described It is a real honor to participate in this exercise that has been taking place for 65 years and to work together with allies and friends to continue strengthening our vision of international cooperation..

These exercises arose from the first naval conference held in Panama in 1959 and are carried out as part of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance.