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	UNITAS Concludes After Successful Exercise
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        <h1 class="title">UNITAS Concludes After Successful Exercise</h1>
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RIO DE JANEIRO – (Sept. 22, 2022) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, congratulates participants for their performance at the UNITAS LXIII Closing Ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 22, 2022. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Myers Vasquez/Released)</div>
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                 alt="GUANABARA BAY, Brazil (Sept. 7, 2022) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) man the rails during the Parade of Ships marking Brazil’s bicentennial during UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 7, 2022."
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            <div class="image-caption">GUANABARA BAY, Brazil (Sept. 7, 2022) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) man the rails during the Parade of Ships marking Brazil’s bicentennial during UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 7, 2022. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Belize, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink)</div>
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            <div class="image-caption">RIO DE JANEIRO (Sept. 7, 2022) A man watches the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) pass during the Parade of Ships marking Brazil’s bicentennial during UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 7, 2022. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Belize, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ethan Craw/Released)</div>
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                 alt="UNITAS 2022: Marines in the Jungle"
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            <div class="image-title">UNITAS 2022: Marines in the Jungle</div>
            <div class="image-caption">U.S. Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, and Delta Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII pose for a group photo with Brazilian marines after a range training event during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Marambaia, Brazil, Sept. 9, 2022. The training event consisted of several squad tactics including maneuver under fire and machine gun suppression drills. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that brings together forces from 19 countries to include Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Uruguay. The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Intriago)</div>
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                 alt="U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Eli Smith, a squad leader with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII provides cover for a Brazilian amphibious assault vehicle conducting an amphibious assault training event during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Itaoca, Brazil, Sept. 16, 2022. A landing craft, utility was used to move Brazilian, United States, and Uruguayan marines to shore from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), where they secured a beachhead. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. Smith is a native of Toledo, Ohio. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Intriago)"
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            <div class="image-caption">U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Eli Smith, a squad leader with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII provides cover for a Brazilian amphibious assault vehicle conducting an amphibious assault training event during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Itaoca, Brazil, Sept. 16, 2022. A landing craft, utility was used to move Brazilian, United States, and Uruguayan marines to shore from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), where they secured a beachhead. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. Smith is a native of Toledo, Ohio. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Intriago)</div>
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                 alt="RIO DE JANEIRO (Sept. 8, 2022) Brazilian Navy Adm. Marcos Sampaio Olsen, Commander Naval Operations, and U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro greet each other prior to the opening ceremony for UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 8, 2022. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ethan Craw/Released)"
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            <div class="image-title">U.S. Secretary of the Navy Kicks Off UNITAS LXIII in Rio De Janeiro</div>
            <div class="image-caption">RIO DE JANEIRO (Sept. 8, 2022) Brazilian Navy Adm. Marcos Sampaio Olsen, Commander Naval Operations, and U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro greet each other prior to the opening ceremony for UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 8, 2022. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ethan Craw/Released)</div>
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            <div class="image-caption">U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Walter Hix, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, fires a M134 GAU-17 minigun while conducting a close air support drill as part of exercise UNITAS LXIII at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio De Janeiro, Sept. 8, 2022. UNITAS trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces. Hix is a native of Arab, Alabama. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jonathan L. Gonzalez)</div>
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            <div class="image-caption">U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Walter Hix, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, fires a M134 GAU-17 minigun while conducting a close air support drill as part of exercise UNITAS LXIII at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio De Janeiro, Sept. 8, 2022. 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 among participating navies and marine corps. Hix is a native of Arab, Alabama. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jonathan L. Gonzalez)</div>
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            <div class="image-caption">RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Sept. 11, 2022) U.S. Navy SEALs assigned to a Naval Special Operations Team, tread water while preparing to go underwater during a dive mission as part of exercise UNITAS LXIII in Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 12, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Camila Melendez)</div>
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                 alt="RIO DE JANEIRO (Sept. 13, 2022) Members of Special Boat Team 22 train Brazilian counterparts on the steps and procedures of a visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) during UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 13, 2022."
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            <div class="image-caption">RIO DE JANEIRO (Sept. 13, 2022) Members of Special Boat Team 22 train Brazilian counterparts on the steps and procedures of a visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) during UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 13, 2022. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Belize, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ethan Craw) (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring faces and tattoos)</div>
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                 alt="RIO DE JANIERO (Sept. 13, 2022) Members of Special Boat Team 22 train Brazilian counterparts on how to drive a vessel during a visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) as part of UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 13, 2022. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running maritime exercise."
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            <div class="image-caption">RIO DE JANIERO (Sept. 13, 2022) Members of Special Boat Team 22 train Brazilian counterparts on how to drive a vessel during a visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) as part of UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 13, 2022. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Belize, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ethan Craw) (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring faces and tattoos)</div>
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            <div class="image-caption">A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y “Venom” helicopter from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, Marine Air Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, in support of Special Marine Air-Ground Task Forces UNITAS LXIII, hovers above the flight deck of the USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19) while conducting cross deck ship landing operations off the coast of Brazil in support of exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 17, 2022. This particular flight serves as the last for Lt. Col. John Bopp in a ‘Huey,’ as he moves onto fixed wing C-12 aircraft in his next assignment. HMLA-773 serves as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) for the exercise and executes missions ranging from troop transport, to parachute operations, and close air support (CAS) missions for all 19 countries involved in this year’s exercise. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Maj. Jeremy Wheeler)</div>
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                 alt="UNITAS 22: Lt. Gen. Bellon Visits Ilha do Governador"
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            <div class="image-caption">U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South and Marine Forces Reserve, talks with Capitão de Mar e Guerra Marcelo da Costa Reis (Colonel Brazilian Marine Corps) the Chief of Staff of Amphibious Division Command Brazil, during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 16, 2022. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ethan Craw)</div>
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                 alt="ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 14, 2022) A MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter pilot takes-off during flight operations onboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Sept. 14, 2022."
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            <div class="image-caption">ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 14, 2022) A MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter pilot takes-off during flight operations onboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Sept. 14, 2022. Mesa Verde is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean in support of exercise UNITAS LXIII. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Belize, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sydney Milligan)</div>
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                 alt="U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Grant, a squad leader with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII sets security during an amphibious assault training event during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Itaoca, Brazil, Sept. 16, 2022. A landing craft, utility was used to move Brazilian, United States, and Uruguayan marines to shore from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde, where they secured a beachhead. UNITAS, which is Latin for “unity,” was conceived in 1959 and has taken place annually since first conducted in 1960. This year marks the 63rd iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multi-national maritime exercise. Additionally, this year Brazil will celebrate its bicentennial, a historical milestone commemorating 200 years of the country’s independence. Grant is a native of Chillicothe, Ohio."
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            <div class="image-title">Scoping In</div>
            <div class="image-caption">U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Grant, a squad leader with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII sets security during an amphibious assault training event during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Itaoca, Brazil, Sept. 16, 2022. A landing craft, utility was used to move Brazilian, United States, and Uruguayan marines to shore from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde, where they secured a beachhead. UNITAS, which is Latin for “unity,” was conceived in 1959 and has taken place annually since first conducted in 1960. This year marks the 63rd iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multi-national maritime exercise. Additionally, this year Brazil will celebrate its bicentennial, a historical milestone commemorating 200 years of the country’s independence. Grant is a native of Chillicothe, Ohio.</div>
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                 alt="UNITAS 2022: Marines in the Jungle"
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            <div class="image-title">UNITAS 2022: Marines in the Jungle</div>
            <div class="image-caption">U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Grant, a squad leader with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII instructs a Mexican marine on using a M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Marambaia, Brazil, Sept. 11, 2022. 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 mutual cooperation and understanding among participating navies and marine corps. Grant is a native of Chillicothe, Ohio. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Intriago)</div>
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    <div><b>By Petty Officer 1st Class Mitchell Meppelink, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet</b> <span class="date">/ Published Sept. 22, 2022</span></div>
    <span class="dateline-text">RIO DE JANEIRO, </span>
    <p>UNITAS, which is Latin for “unity,” was conceived in 1959, first executed in 1960 and held every year since. This year marked the 63rd iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise.<br />
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 This year's exercise was hosted by the Brazilian navy and included 19 warships/vessels, one submarine, and 21 aircraft that conducted scenario-driven joint and combined operations and training in and off the coast of Rio De Janeiro. The exercise coincided with Brazil’s bicentennial, a historical milestone commemorating 200 years of the country’s independence and the birth of their navy.<br />
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“It is exciting to see 19 nations from across Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa participating in UNITAS,” said Rear Admiral Jim Aiken, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “This exercise is a demonstration of not only our commitment to the region, but also the strong relationships forged between our nations. The Western Hemisphere is our shared home and exercises like UNITAS reinforce our permanent geographical and cultural ties, connecting us to our shared history and our shared future.”<br />
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Navy and marine forces from Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States participated in the exercise.  <br />
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While the overarching goal was to develop and test command and control of forces at-sea, training in this exercise addressed the spectrum of maritime operations. Specifically, there were scenarios addressing electronic warfare, anti-air warfare and air defense, anti-surface warfare, live fire, maritime interdiction, littoral operations and amphibious operations.<br />
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“One of the main benefits of UNITAS is the ability of all participating nations to train together, and exchange ideas and tactics,” said Capt. Meger Chappell, deputy commander, Destroyer Squadron 40, and deputy commander, UNITAS Task Group 138.20. “Over the course of the exercise I saw firsthand how the participating nations came together as a multinational task force to meet all objectives. Together we have strengthened our maritime partnerships, enhanced our proficiency and improved our collaboration and interoperability.”<br />
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The exercise progressed in phases, beginning in port with sporting events and community relations projects to build relations between partner nations.  <br />
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The at-sea phase included a multi-threat, multi-day scenario that allowed participants to work together, further increasing preparedness for real-world crises that would require a multinational force response effort. Events included: surface tactical maneuvers, illegal drug trafficking training, live-fire exercises, anti-submarine warfare exercises, air defense exercises and maritime interdiction operations.  <br />
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The amphibious phase included U.S. Marines with partner nations taking positions at areas along the coast to train in support of greater naval operations. This phase also consisted of landing from naval vessels.<br />
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Participating U.S. forces in UNITAS LXII included the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753), Commander, Amphibious Squadron Eight (PHIBRON) 8, the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 (HSC) 22, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70 Detachment 2 (HSM) 70 Det 2, the “War Eagles” of Patrol Squadron Sixteen (VP) 9, Special Boat Team (SBT) 22, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, Seal Platoon from Seal Team 8, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET), Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 8, 25th Marine Regiment, 3d Battalion 25th Marine Regiment, 3d Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Company (4th LAR), 4th Combat Engineer Battalion (4th CEB), 6th Engineer Support Battalion (6th ESB), 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), 4th Civil Affairs Group (4th CAG), Marine Aircraft Group 49 (MAG-49), U.S Marine Corps Forces South (MARFORSOUTH), and USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT.  <br />
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U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations 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 region.<br />
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U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South is the Marine Corps component to U.S. Southern Command, is responsible for planning exercises, operation, and overall Marine Corps support for the SOUTHCOM assigned area of responsibility.</p>
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