To strengthen international cooperation between the two countries, the Colombian Navy and the U.S. Navy conducted training exercises in the Caribbean Sea. The exercises focused on fighting transnational crimes, planning joint strategies, military communications, and more.
On this occasion, the Colombian Navy deployed the missile frigate ARC “Antioquia,” the corvette ARC “Tono,” the submarine ARC “Tayrona,” and three naval aviation aircraft (one maritime patrol aircraft and two helicopters). From the U.S. side, the littoral combat ship USS “Kingsville” participated.
During the operations, various naval exercises were conducted, including strategic planning, logistics, military communication, and joint skills training to address different threats in the hemisphere. Notably, following its entry into service at the end of August this year, the USS Kingsville is making its first deployment. It is the eighteenth unit of the Independence class and the penultimate delivery of this model. Currently, the U.S. Navy operates (or is about to operate) a total of 17 Independence-class LCS vessels, which are complemented by approximately 13 Freedom-class vessels built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corporation in Wisconsin.
Additionally, it is worth noting the readiness level of the submarine ARC “Tayrona,” which, after a 72-day deployment as part of the International DESI (Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative) 2024 organized by the U.S. Navy and based at Naval Station Mayport, returns to the sea to participate in a new exercise with the U.S. Navy.
Image credits: Colombian Navy – U.S. Navy
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