The bilateral exercise between US and Brazilian forces focused on maritime security and strengthening maritime partnerships with friendly nations.
“The bilateral exercise continued to demonstrate the collaboration and interoperability between the navies of the United States and Brazil,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Meger Chappell, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 deputy commodore. We build on the lessons learned during UNITAS LXIII to further strengthen our ability to ensure maritime superiority in the region.”
The US and Brazilian navies built a relationship on a shared vision of a free and open Southwest Atlantic Ocean, and a consistent practice in eliminating the illegal drug trade throughout the area. Both countries continued to work together and held bilateral exercises to strengthen regional consistency.
“This was a great opportunity to build capacity and increase our friendship together,” said Brazilian Navy Captain Rafael Zeque Monteiro, commander of the Brazilian Escort Squadron 1. “Safety is always paramount, but we learned a lot from each other.”
The Lassen and the União safely carried out rescue and assistance operations, firing exercises, flight operations with an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Marine Helicopter Squadron “Spartans” (HSM) 70 and a UH-12 helicopter Esquilo of the Brazilian Navy, and a Close Air Support Exercise (CASEX) in which both ships have a large area to search for submarines.
Working closely together, the US and Brazilian navies were able to build maritime relationships and partnerships together.
“This bilateral exercise was an incredible opportunity to build ties between the US and Brazilian navies,” said US Navy Cmdr. Christopher Turmel, Lassen’s commanding officer. “Sailors from both sides have built their capacity while working on a wide variety of exercises, coming out better trained and with better interoperability. The Lassen had the honor of participating in this exercise”.
Commander, Destroyer Squadron 40 (COMDESRON 40) plays a key role in executing our nation’s maritime strategy, providing dedicated tactical support to naval operations in the US Southern Command area of responsibility. fosters unity and cooperation between the United States and friendly countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean.