United in Purpose | 20 Nations Kick Off UNITAS LXIV in Colombia > U.S. Southern Command

CARTAGENA, Colombia –

UNITAS LXIV is officially underway. The opening ceremony of the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise formally launched this year’s iteration on July 12, 2023.

Twenty nations are coming together to conduct the 64^th iteration of UNITAS, which is Latin for unity. In concert with U. S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4^th Fleet, approximately 650 United States Marines from Marine Forces South (MARFORSOUTH), Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES), and II Marine Expeditionary Force will provide direct support to nautical, aerial and shore-based training events throughout the land and waters around Cartagena, Coveñas and Barranquilla, Colombia. The integrated exercise’s purpose is to highlight a unity of effort focused on strengthening international partnerships, cooperation and interoperability.

Colombia is hosting UNITAS LXIV as the Colombian Navy simultaneously celebrates their bicentennial anniversary. Colombia welcomes the United States amphibious forces along with 18 additional partner nations (Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, Spain, South Korea, United Kingdom and Uruguay) who combine a total of 26 warships/vessels, three submarines, 25 aircraft (fixed wing/helicopter) and approximately 7,000 personnel who will train side-by-side to integrate and strengthen maritime resources, tactics, techniques and procedures.

“UNITAS is the premier maritime exercise in the region,” said Brigadier General Raymond Adams, Marine Forces South (Forward) Commander. “Training alongside so many of our partners enhances the relationships among the Navies and Marine Corps of the region and strengthens our hemispheric ties. UNITAS also provides an opportunity for the participating nations to sharpen the skills necessary to operate as part of a larger maritime force focused on maritime domain awareness, conduct ship to shore amphibious operations, and exercise sea control and sea denial. We are very grateful to our Colombian partners for hosting UNITAS this year.”

The UNITAS LXIV opening ceremony, held at the Colombian Naval Museum here, welcomed senior military leaders and dignitaries from across the various partner nations. Rear Adm. James Aiken represented the U.S. Navy with Maj. Gen. John Kelliher III as his counterpart for the U.S. Marine Corps. Additionally, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, served as the senior United States’ representative and guest speaker.

“UNITAS provides us all with the opportunity to increase our proficiency across a broad range of naval and shore-based operations, and to improve our ability to operate together safely and effectively as we address the common challenges we face in the maritime domain,” stated Secretary Del Toro during the ceremony. “I am convinced that there is no better example of how we are strengthening our bonds with our partners and allies in the Western Hemisphere.”

Following their independence from Spain, Colombia began a longstanding partnership with the United States in 1882. The two nations regularly train and work with one another beyond the yearly UNITAS exercise through security cooperation missions and narcotic interdiction campaigns. According to the U.S. State Department, the initiatives of this partnership include combating criminal organizations, improving human rights and enhancing security in the region. Each annual UNITAS further solidifies the relationship between the two nations.

Secretary Del Toro remarked, “It is my hope that our Navy and Marine Corps team’s presence here reassures all of you that the United States of America is committed to being a faithful and trustworthy partner as we work towards maintaining peace and stability throughout the region.”

Who We Are: Marine Forces South is the U.S. Marine Corps component of U.S. Southern Command, responsible for building partnerships to counter threats and increase interoperability in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. We build capabilities, capacity and readiness with key partner nations through a range of military engagements and other security cooperation events to demonstrate the value and utility of the Navy and Marine Corps team. We cultivate partnerships across the region to promote the rule of law, which is essential for security, stability, economic prosperity, and personal liberty.

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