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HomeMediaSpecial CoverageUNITAS 2021

# UNITAS 2021

## UNITAS is a longstanding, multinational maritime exercise conducted annually in Latin America and the Caribbean to enhance security cooperation and improve coalition operations. UNITAS LXII was hosted by Peru from Sept. 24 - Oct. 6, 2021. U.S. forces, including two U.S. Navy ships and a submarine, joined more than 32 ships, four submarines and 26 aircraft from 19 partner nations for training operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos.

## Recent Photos

UNITAS LXIII: HMLA-773 board USS Mesa Verde - Two U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom  helicopters assigned to Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 prepare to land aboard the San Antonio class dock landing ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in the North Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 16, 2022. HMLA 773 launched three UH-1Y Venom and two AH-1Z Viper helicopters from McGuire Air Force Base and embarked them aboard the USS Mesa Verde for transit to Brazil in support of exercise UNITAS LXIII hosted by the Brazilian Navy and Marine Corps. 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 multinational maritime exercise. Additionally, this year Brazil will celebrate its bicentennial, a historical milestone commemorating 200 years of the country’s independence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Colton K. Garrett)

Beach Attack - U.S., Brazilian, Chilean, Colombian, Mexican, Peruvian and Jamaican troops simulate a beach attack in Salinas, Peru, Sept. 28, 2021, during UNITAS, the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise.

210930-N-TW039-2745 - LIMA, Peru (Sept. 30, 2021) U.S. Navy Lt. Ryan Johnson discusses best practices with Peruvian navy Lt. Jorge Renato Alarcon Ulloa and Lt. Marco Antonio Flores Palomino aboard a P-8A Poseidon aircraft attached to the "Golden Eagles" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 during an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission flight as part of UNITAS LXII, Sept. 30, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Laura Price)

211002-N-RL853-0250 - HUACHO, Peru (Oct. 2, 2021) Multi-national forces land on the beach during the amphibious assault at Las Salinas Beach, during UNITAS LXII, Oct. 2, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink)

211002-N-RL853-0226 - HUACHO, Peru (Oct. 2, 2021) Peruvian marine amphibious assault vehicles land on Las Salinas Beach as part of the amphibious assault during UNITAS LXII, Oct. 2, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink)

210930-N-VF045-1202 - EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 30, 2021) An MH-60R Sea Hawk assigned to the “Scorpions” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 flies towards the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) during UNITAS LXII, Sept. 30, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James S. Hong)

211002-M-LP762-1537 - SALINAS, Peru (Oct. 2, 2021) U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion vehicles attached to Special Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS, land on a beach during an amphibious landing demonstration as part of UNITAS LXII, Oct. 2, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from twenty countries and includes 29 ships, four submarines, and twenty aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lauren Brune)

210928-N-VF045-1615 - PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) conducts tactical maneuvers and naval formations during a training exercise as part of UNITAS LXII. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James S. Hong)

210928-N-VF045-1575 - PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) follows multinational force ships while conducting tactical maneuvers and naval formations during a training exercise as part of UNITAS LXII. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James S. Hong)

210928-M-IC059-1103 - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christophe J. Stump, an aerial observer with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - UNITAS, fires a GAU-17 minigun during UNITAS LXII in Lima, Peru, Sept. 28, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during Pacific, amphibious, and amazon 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. Elias E. Pimentel III)

210928-N-VF045-1402 - PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2021) The amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and the Peruvian navy Makassar-class landing platform dock ship BAP Pisco (AMP-156) conduct tactical maneuvers and naval formations during a training exercise in the eastern Pacific Ocean as part of UNITAS LXII, Sept. 28, 2021.  UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James S. Hong)

210928-N-RL853-0386 - LIMA, Peru (Sept. 28, 2021) Peruvian Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Alberto Alcala observes as U.S. Navy Lt. Esteban Vasquez and U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Sammy Benavdez prepare for landing aboard a P-8A Poseidon aircraft attached to the Golden Eagles of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 following an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission flight during UNITAS LXII, Sept. 28, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink)

210927-N-MT581-1933 - PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 27, 2021) Aviation Boatswain�s Airman Kevon Lamont-Anderson, from Cleburn, Texas, assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), directs a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the Scorpions of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 to take off from flight deck during UNITAS LXII, Sept. 27, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Curtis D. Spencer)

210927-N-MT581-1157 - PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 27, 2021) Damage Controlman Fireman Rebecca Sommers, from Miami, assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), stands re-flash watch as part of a damage control drill during UNITAS LXII, Sept. 27, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from 20 countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Curtis D. Spencer)

210926-M-QY799-1629 - ANCON, Peru (Sept. 26, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Fletcher, a light armored vehicle crewman with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – UNITAS, and a Peruvian Marine demonstrate a strategy for advancing in a hostile environment during a military operations in urbanized terrain training evolution at the Base de Infanteria de Marina, Peru, Sept. 26, 2021, during exercise UNITAS LXII. U.S., Brazilian, Chilean, Colombian, Mexican and Peruvian Marines and members of the Jamaican Defense Force completed a series of training events in order to build trust, enhance confidence and strengthen interoperability to better prepare us for a combined, multinational response to emerging crises or natural disasters. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during Pacific, amphibious, and amazon 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. Adaezia Chavez)

210927-M-QY799-1371 - ANCON, Peru (Sept. 27, 2021) U.S., Brazilian, Chilean, Colombian, Mexican and Peruvian Marines and members of the Jamaican Defense Force utilize a combat rubber raiding craft, at sea, during an amphibious training evolution at the Base de Infanteria de Marina, Peru, Sept. 27, 2021, during exercise UNITAS LXII. The service members completed a series of training events in order to build trust, enhance confidence and strengthen interoperability to better prepare us for a combined, multinational response to emerging crises or natural disasters. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during Pacific, amphibious, and amazon 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. Adaezia Chavez)

210927-N-RL853-0032 - CALLAO, PERU (Sept. 27, 2021) Multinational forces gather for the opening ceremony to kick off UNITAS LXII at the Peruvian Naval Academy, Sept. 27, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from twenty countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink/Released)

210927-N-RL853-0093 - CALLAO, PERU (Sept. 27, 2021) Multinational service members pose for a photo following the opening ceremony for UNITAS LXII at the Peruvian Naval Academy, Sept. 27, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from twenty countries and includes 32 ships, four submarines, and 26 aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink/Released)

210923-M-LP762-1291 - U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and Peruvian Marine Commandos shoot a Beretta 92A1 during a live-fire range at Base Naval De Infanteria De Marina in Ancon, Peru, Sept. 23, 2021. The service members exchanged weapon knowledge, techniques and procedures during UNITAS LX II. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during Pacific, amphibious, and amazon 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. Lauren Brune)

210923-M-LP762-1121 - A Peruvian Marine briefs U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and Peruvian Marine Commandos on weapon safety during a live-fire range at Base Naval De Infanteria De Marina in Ancon, Peru, Sept. 23, 2021. The service members exchanged weapon knowledge, techniques and procedures during UNITAS LX II. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during Pacific, amphibious, and amazon 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. Lauren Brune)

**LATEST IMAGERY FROM UNITAS LXIIUNITAS LXII NewsOct. 13, 2021Peru leads multinational force in amphibious landing during UNITAS LXIIOct. 7, 202162nd UNITAS concludes, successfully conducting a full-spectrum of Maritime, Amphibious, and Jungle OperationsSept. 27, 2021UNITAS LXII Opening Ceremony Takes Place in LimaSept. 26, 2021UNITAS LXII Kicks off in LimaOverview
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.
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