Last modified Thu., May 15, 2008 - 04:36 PM
Originally created Thursday, May 15, 2008

Peruvian Sub Visits Mayport To Build Relations

By MC3 Alan Gragg, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

Buque Armada Peruana (BAP) (Peruvian Navy) submarine Arica (SS-36) made a port visit to Naval Station Mayport May 6 through May 9 to extend Peru's focus on partner nation interaction. Shortly after the sub arrived in Mayport, USS Vicksburg (CG 69) officers hosted an icebreaker with Arica's officers, kicking off the long list of relationship-building events between the U.S. and Peruvian navies while Arica is in port. Promoting regional maritime partner relations is a mission of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO).

"Visits such as this one with Arica, are perfect examples of how we're building strong partnerships in this region," said NAVSO Commander Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr. "Arica's port visit here in Mayport gives us an opportunity to continue to expand interoperability and strengthen relationships with one of our closest regional partners, the Peruvian Navy."

While in port, Arica's crew also had an opportunity to rest and to use the various Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) outlets and medical facilities on the base.

"I'm excited to be here in the United States," said Peruvian Chief Torpedoman Joaquin Castillo. "It is my first time here, and it's a great experience see the base and have the opportunity to work with the U.S. Ships and aircraft."

The sub is no stranger to working with the United States and other regional nations. In 2007, Arica participated in UNITAS 48-07 Pacific Phase. UNITAS, Latin for "unity," is an annual multinational exercise held since 1959. UNITAS is designed to enhance interoperability between participating navies through cultural exchanges, and military-to-military training scenarios.

"To exercise interoperability between countries, you have to do it at sea, and that's what we did last year (during UNITAS)" said Arica's Commanding Officer Peruvian Cmdr. Percy Perez. "I think we have already developed a very close tie with the United States Navy, and we look forward to working with U.S. units in the future. We appreciate all the support from Mayport, and feel very comfortable here."

BAP Arica is part of the Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI). The DESI program coordinates training between the United States and foreign navies, focusing on anti-submarine warfare. DESI is a U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) program with Commander, Submarine Force (CSF) acting as the program's Executive Agent. Diesel electric submarines' ability to run virtually silent presents a detection challenge to ships and aircraft. These subs are only used by foreign navies, so the United States depends on countries such as Peru to conduct these training exercises.

NAVSO coordinates the interactions between U.S. Naval forces and Latin American military and civil maritime forces through various exercises and events within U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)'s area of focus.