UNITED STATES - 10 JULY 2009
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Peruvian submarine BAP (Buque Armada Peruana) Arica (SS-36) departed for Peru from Naval Base Point Loma July 10, after taking part in the Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) with the U.S. Navy.
During its three-month deployment to Commander, U.S. Third Fleet's Area of Responsibility, Arica conducted training with both surface and air units.
Arica acted as the primary opposing submarine force for the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group's Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). They also conducted training with more than 40 helicopters and patrol aircraft during the Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Pacific's Antisubmarine Warfare Exercise (ASWEX).
The ASWEX took place for six days and is the largest scale ASW (antisubmarine warfare) exercise for unit level training on the west coast.
Arica provided the most realistic ASW training possible for U.S. forces said 3rd Fleet's Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Training, Cmdr. John Doney.
"Diesel subs are the most difficult to track, and Arica proved to be a formidable target throughout the training exercises." Doney said.
"The training was individualized per crew and provided invaluable instruction for our Sailors. This is important because diesel subs are the greatest threat to our Navy," said Doney.
DESI is a partnership that allows the United States and other partner navies to work together to train and test underwater warfare capabilities through engagement tactics, weapon system tests and close encounter operations. This particular training evolution helps the American and Peruvian navies to train their crews and test capabilities while helping foster bilateral cooperation and further improve joint interoperability.
BAP Arica Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Manuel Rivadeneira said this is the first time a Peruvian submarine has worked with 3rd Fleet in Southern California since Peru began participating in DESI eight years ago.
"The DESI program is a great opportunity to strengthen the interoperability between the U.S. and Peruvian navies," he added.
While in San Diego, the Peruvian sailors and officers stayed with their U.S. counterparts at Naval Base San Diego bachelor enlisted and officer quarters. They also had the opportunity to explore the San Diego area and spend time with U.S. Sailors during events hosted in their honor.
"It was my first time in San Diego," said Master Chief Louis Blas, technical supervisor, BAP Arica, "It's very beautiful, and the people are very diverse. It was wonderful for our Sailors to be able to work with such a fine navy. It opened their eyes."
The DESI program increases partnerships and encourages cooperation between partner nations, furthering the core capabilities of the maritime strategy.
Archive Photo: The Peruvian Navy submarine BAP Arica (SS-36) arrives in San Diego as part of the Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) program. The DESI Program is a U.S. Navy partnership with South American countries and supports their diesel-electric submarine operations and fleet readiness events in operating areas off the U.S. east and west coasts. Participating DESI partners include Colombia, Peru, Chilie, and Brazil.
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Peruvian submarine BAP (Buque Armada Peruana) Arica (SS-36) departed for Peru from Naval Base Point Loma July 10, after taking part in the Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) with the U.S. Navy.
During its three-month deployment to Commander, U.S. Third Fleet's Area of Responsibility, Arica conducted training with both surface and air units.
Arica acted as the primary opposing submarine force for the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group's Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). They also conducted training with more than 40 helicopters and patrol aircraft during the Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Pacific's Antisubmarine Warfare Exercise (ASWEX).
The ASWEX took place for six days and is the largest scale ASW (antisubmarine warfare) exercise for unit level training on the west coast.
Arica provided the most realistic ASW training possible for U.S. forces said 3rd Fleet's Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Training, Cmdr. John Doney.
"Diesel subs are the most difficult to track, and Arica proved to be a formidable target throughout the training exercises." Doney said.
"The training was individualized per crew and provided invaluable instruction for our Sailors. This is important because diesel subs are the greatest threat to our Navy," said Doney.
DESI is a partnership that allows the United States and other partner navies to work together to train and test underwater warfare capabilities through engagement tactics, weapon system tests and close encounter operations. This particular training evolution helps the American and Peruvian navies to train their crews and test capabilities while helping foster bilateral cooperation and further improve joint interoperability.
BAP Arica Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Manuel Rivadeneira said this is the first time a Peruvian submarine has worked with 3rd Fleet in Southern California since Peru began participating in DESI eight years ago.
"The DESI program is a great opportunity to strengthen the interoperability between the U.S. and Peruvian navies," he added.
While in San Diego, the Peruvian sailors and officers stayed with their U.S. counterparts at Naval Base San Diego bachelor enlisted and officer quarters. They also had the opportunity to explore the San Diego area and spend time with U.S. Sailors during events hosted in their honor.
"It was my first time in San Diego," said Master Chief Louis Blas, technical supervisor, BAP Arica, "It's very beautiful, and the people are very diverse. It was wonderful for our Sailors to be able to work with such a fine navy. It opened their eyes."
The DESI program increases partnerships and encourages cooperation between partner nations, furthering the core capabilities of the maritime strategy.
Archive Photo: The Peruvian Navy submarine BAP Arica (SS-36) arrives in San Diego as part of the Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) program. The DESI Program is a U.S. Navy partnership with South American countries and supports their diesel-electric submarine operations and fleet readiness events in operating areas off the U.S. east and west coasts. Participating DESI partners include Colombia, Peru, Chilie, and Brazil.
