Thursday, August 18, 2011

AS555 Fennec

A Colombian Navy AS-555 Fennec helicopter launches from the flight deck of the guided missile cruiser USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51) during UNITAS 46-05. Thomas S. Gates is part of a multinational naval and coast guard force from six nations conducting UNITAS 46-05 Pacific Phase off the coasts of Colombia. The Colombian Navy in this year’s UNITAS Pacific Phase hosts Ecuador, Panama, Peru and the United States. During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg)

AS555 Fennec

An Argentinean AS 555 Fennec helicopter approaches the flight deck of the guided missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) off the coast of Brazil. Naval forces from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Uruguay and the United States are participating in UNITAS 47-06 Atlantic phase. This is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise that enhances friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating navies by enhancing interoperability in naval operations among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg)