The host of this year’s exercise is the Brazilian Navy, and will include 20 participating countries, 19 ships, one submarine, 21 aircraft, making approximately 5,500 total military personnel who will conduct operations mostly off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
UNITAS, which means “unity” in Latin, was conceived in 1959 and has been held every year since it was first held in 1960. This year marks the 63rd repetition. This year, Brazil will host UNITAS in celebration of the bicentennial of its nation’s independence and the founding of its navy.
“This exercise is an incredible opportunity for all participating nations to come together as professional seafarers at sea, under the sea, in the air and ashore, to work and grow as a team to strengthen our partnerships and advance our collective maritime posture,” said Rear Admiral Jim Aiken, commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th fleet. “Congratulations to Brazil for 200 years of independence and excellence in maritime wealth at sea and on land.”
In addition to the United States, UNITAS LXIII will bring together 19 nations from across Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa to train forces in joint maritime operations that improve tactical expertise and increase interoperability. Participating countries include Belize, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom and Uruguay.
“Exercise UNITAS is a long-awaited premier training opportunity for all navies and marine corps of participating nations in the Western Hemisphere,” said Lt. Gen. David Bellon, commandant of US Marine Corps Forces, South and the Marine Corps Reserve. “UNITAS highlights the foundation of our partnerships and our commitment to building and maintaining the social and military relationships necessary to achieve common goals and regional security.”
