In order to strengthen interoperability and capabilities for naval operations against transnational crimes, as well as the protection of common maritime interests, units of the Colombian Navy conducted training exercises with units of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF / Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) in international waters.
Exercise Passex, which runs three times a year, depending on the availability of the participants, are naval practices organized to be conducted by two or more navies of the world, in order to train, communicate and cooperate in military activities, against transnational crime, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, through the standardization of the procedures that lead to interoperability.
Ships JS Shimakaze and JS Kashima in Japan, alongside the frigate ARC Antioquia, the ship ARC Caldas, the maritime patrol ARC 803 and the Bell helicopter ARC 228 of the air-naval Group in the Caribbean of the Navy of Colombia, conducted several naval exercises, which led to potentiate the Resources of the crew and to strengthen ties of partnership and cooperation between the navies of the allied countries in the pursuit of peace, security, defence, protection of common maritime interests, and free navigation.
Given the bio-oceanic condition and the geostrategic position of Colombia, our country throughout history has been able to expeditiously carry out different exercises with units of other navies that transit through the Panama Canal. In 1950 the Colombian Navy participated in the Korean War as part of the Multinational Force of the UN and since 1960, it has participated in multinational naval exercises, being these optimal instruments for global and regional governance, including operations such as: UNITAS, RIMPAC, DESI, PANAMAX and TRADEWINDS. Most recently in 2015, Colombia participated in the anti-piracy operations in the Horn of Africa as part of the European Union Naval Force, in Operation Atalanta and Operation Ocean Shield, in addition to the successful leadership of the nine versions of the Naval Campaign against Drug Trafficking Orion.
Source: Press - Navy of Colombia
