With naval exercises of logistical support at sea, naval formations and an impressive special maritime assault led by the Naval Commands of the Navy of the Colombia Navy, the operation “Southern Seas 2024” was successfully developed, in which the Colombian Navy carried out naval exercises this weekend with the Navy of the United States. in the Pacific Ocean as the main stage.
The crew members of the ARC Ocean Patrol Boat “Victoria”, the ARC corvette “Nariño”, the Pacific Naval Aviation Group, a Quick Reaction Unit – URR and the Navy Special Forces Group were in charge of representing the naval power of Colombia in this historic meeting with the aircraft carrier USS “George Washington” of the United States Navy. which arrived in Colombian waters accompanied by two destroyers, the USS “Porter” and the USS “Sampson” and carrying on board more than 50 aircraft.
In the development of this operation, which had as its main objective to increase interoperability and strengthen the capabilities of both nations, it is noteworthy that for the first time, a naval helicopter type MH-60R of the United States Navy, with anti-submarine warfare capabilities, landed on a flight deck of a Colombian vessel, in this case the ARC Ocean Patrol Vessel “Victoria”. thanks to the update of international standards that gave it the qualification in 2023.
Additionally, 12 crew members of the Colombia Navy had the opportunity to be on board this impressive aircraft carrier during the two days of operation, to learn about their capabilities as observers of naval exercises, sharing experiences of tactics and naval strategy, in addition to a cultural exchange that strengthens the ties of brotherhood between both navies.
About the operation…
The aircraft carrier USS “George Washington” sailed more than ten thousand nautical miles and visited three international ports within the framework of operation “Southern Seas 2024”, starting its journey in the port of Mayport – United States bound for Brazil and continuing its journey in South America through Argentina, passing through Chile, then Peru and later Ecuador. to finish, sailing the waters of Colombia.
In this tenth edition of “Southern Seas”, six bilateral commitments were made, where the participating countries deployed their capabilities with 37 ships, three submarines and 67 aircraft for the realization of 34 naval and combined exercises over 60 days.
Likewise, the USS “George Washington” received on its decks 29 Officers from 12 different countries in the International General Staff, of which two are from the Colombia Navy, who embarked throughout the operation with the aim of strengthening their capabilities, exchanging knowledge, participating in the planning of bilateral operations, build and strengthen relations between countries and share naval information and doctrine.
The Colombian Navy reiterates its commitment to continue participating in this type of operations of international strategic impact, making available all its logistical and human capabilities to strengthen interoperability and friendly ties with the countries of the region.