While the exercise between means and personnel of the Colombian National Navy and the USS George Washington aircraft carrier has concluded, various images released depict several activities carried out during the last days of June. Among these, the operation of Bell 412 helicopters and the presence of Colombian Special Operations Forces aboard the U.S. capital ship are highlighted.
As noted, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, along with its Escort Group, recently completed various activities and exercises with the Navies of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and most recently, Colombia. The latter took place at the end of June and involved assets and personnel from the Colombian National Navy and Air Force, prominently featuring the deployment of Kfir jets.
Regarding the aeronaval component, the Colombian National Navy included the participation of the oceanic patrol vessel ARC Victoria (PZE-48) and the corvette ARC “Nariño,” alongside a Quick Reaction Coast Guard unit. Additionally, these forces were complemented by a Bell 412 helicopter from the Colombian Naval Aviation Pacific Group, which operated from the flight deck of the USS George Washington, conducting landings, takeoffs, and maneuvers associated with operations on this type of vessel. As seen in the images, the aircraft in question was registered as “ARC 225.”
However, not only Bell 412 helicopters were present on the aircraft carrier; transported by an MH-60S Seahawk, personnel from the Colombian Special Operations Forces were also in the USS George Washington, where they conducted visit, board, search, and seizure exercises, as well as fast rope descents from the helicopter. Previously, these activities had been documented aboard the USS Porter destroyer during Gringo-Gaucho II, with the presence of a Maritime Patrol Division unit, the Visit, Board, Search, and Capture Team on the U.S. vessel.
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