Unitas 2025 officially kicked off September 15 at an opening ceremony at Naval Station Mayport in Florida. Unitas, which is Latin for unity, united or oneness, is the longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise in the world.
Unitas features about 8,000 personnel from 25 allied and partner nations, including multiple ships, submarines and aircraft (fixed wing and rotary). Forces conducted operations off the East Coast of the United States and ashore in the vicinity of Naval Station Mayport, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, through October 6.
Participating nations include Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain and the United States.
“It is a distinct honor to stand before you today as we commence Unitas 2025, the 66th iteration of the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise, which is a testament to enduring partnerships,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/4th Fleet. “We have a rich history that began with the 1959 Inter-American Naval Conference in Panama, and we continue to grow each year. This year’s theme, Unitas Legacy of Maritime Partnerships, celebrates the enduring strength of alliances and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.”
Unitas is a comprehensive exercise that aims at strengthening interoperability, enhancing operational readiness and fostering enduring partnerships among the participating nations. Through a blend of advanced warfare training, cultural exchange and historical commemoration, the goal is to demonstrate the commitment to maritime security, crisis response and the shared values of freedom and global stability that unite all participating forces.
Following the opening ceremony, the in-port phase of the exercise features subject matter expert exchanges, professional symposiums, ship rider exchanges and operations meetings. During this time, Marines and Sailors will conduct training events in Mayport to include medical, cyber defense, and diving and salvage operations.
During the Underway Phase, forces will participate in events testing all warfare operations. The events will include live-fire exercises such as an amphibious ship-to-shore landing and force withdrawal in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
“Our combined efforts as a maritime sea service are critical to ensuring free and open seas,” explained Rear Adm. Sardiello. “Unitas is an extraordinary opportunity for us to unite, operate, enhance proficiency and improve interoperability of participating forces to respond to common threats.”
After the completion of the exercise, senior leaders from participating countries will join in a series of high-profile events along the East Coast, celebrating a historic milestone: the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday. This commemoration honors a legacy of protecting U.S. interests, deterring aggression, and promoting prosperity and security.