In Operation UNITAS LXII 2021, a strategic visit was carried out on board the missile frigate ARC Almirante Padilla conducted by the Navy of the United States of America and the Colombian Navy, in order to strengthen the ties of partnership and international cooperation.
During his visit, the rear Admiral James A. Aiken, Commander of the Fourth Fleet of the Navy of the united States of America, met with the Frigate Captain Germán Castro, Commander of the ARC Almirante Padilla, who reviewed the work of the units of the Navy of Colombia and their Resources in the framework of the exercises carried out in phases Work Up and Environment of the operation UNITAS LXII, including training in multiple areas of war, as anti-surface, of air defence, submarine, amphibious operations, among others.
At the end of the meeting, the Commander of the Fourth U.S. Naval Fleet recognized the men and women of the Colombian Navy task force, which includes the ARC Almirante Padilla, the ARC 7 de Agosto, the helicopter ARC 226, the Pacific Naval Special Forces Group, and the Coast Guard Rapid Reaction Unit, highlighting that Colombia has been an ally of the United States to combat transnational threats and strengthen regional security in the western hemisphere.
Subsequently, Rear Admiral James A. Aiken was transported aboard the Colombian aircraft to the missile frigate BAP Coronel Bolognesi of the Peruvian Navy where he made a protocol visit and was finally transported to the Naval Base of Callao, Peru.
The Colombian Navy reaffirms its permanent commitment to strengthening international cooperation and partner ties with the countries of the region, which in turn contributes to improving interoperability for peace and security in the western hemisphere.