Overview
UNITAS is designed to train forces to conduct joint maritime 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 and amphibious operations that increase interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces.
UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating navies and marine corps.
Training Scenarios
UNITAS LXII included scenarios addressing electronic warfare, anti-air warfare and air defense, anti-surface warfare, live fire, maritime interdiction, littoral operations, and jungle training.
The exercise consisted of three phases: at sea, amphibious, and amazon. The maritime domain included the littorals which incorporates not only the ocean, but also the area inland from the shore that can be supported and defended directly from the sea. The majority of the land training took place at areas along the coast where marines and naval infantry will train in support of greater naval operations. The amphibious phase consisted of a landing from naval vessels and the amazon phase simulated an environment supported from the sea. The Amazon phase was hosted by the Peruvian Marine Corps at established training sites. This environment offered jungle and riverine training that are key aspects of maritime operations.
Participating Countries
Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States.
Participating U.S. Forces
- USS Mustin (DDG 89)
- USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26)
- USS Columbia (SSN 771)
- Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49
- “Golden Eagles” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9
- Special Boat Team 22 (SBT 22)
- Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) Det 2
- U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET)
- Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40
- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 7
- 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (LAR)
- 2d Transportation Support Battalion
- Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269
- 2d Force Reconnaissance Company
- U.S Marine Corps Forces, South (MARFORSOUTH)
- U.S. 4th Fleet (FOURTHFLT)
Background
UNITAS, which is Latin for “unity,” was conceived in 1959, first executed in 1960 and has been held every year since. UNITAS LXII was the 62nd iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise.