Overview
This year’s exercise, hosted by Panama, was designed to train each navy and public security force to conduct joint naval operations, through the execution of littoral warfare, anti-piracy, maritime interdiction operations, countering transnational organized crime, anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare, communications exercises and air operations in order to increase interoperability and capability between participating naval forces.
Participating Nations
Naval, maritime and public security forces from the United States, Panama, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Peru participated in UNITAS 2016. Personnel from Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and United Kingdom also took part within the multinational staff element.
U.S. Forces in UNITAS 2016
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USNS SPEARHEAD (T-EPF 1)
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USCGC MOHAWK (WMEC 913)
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Joint Task Force-Bravo
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Naval Special Warfare Unit (NSWU) 4
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V Bat UAS Detachment
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Puma UAS Detachment from Aerovironment
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U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet
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Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40
Background
UNITAS, which is Latin for “unity,” was first executed in 1960 and has been held every year since. This year marks the 57th iteration of the world’s longest running annual multinational maritime exercise.
UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our emerging and enduring partners’ maritime forces to achieve common desired effects. This annual exercise fosters friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating navies and public security forces.