UNITAS 2025 Strengthens Southcom Alliances

Published Sept. 17, 2025
By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Sippel, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

UNITAS 2025 began with an opening ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Sept. 15. UNITAS, Latin for unity, is the longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise in the world.

Dozens of people wearing military camouflage uniforms and holding rifles depart a water landing craft as waves crash around them on a beach. A Spanish flag is flying from the landing craft in the background.

A military vehicle exits a water landing craft on a beach. The Spanish flag is flying from the landing craft and there is another vehicle waiting to exit.

This year, UNITAS is featuring approximately 8,000 personnel from 25 allied and partner nations, including multiple ships, submarines and aircraft. Forces will conduct operations off the East Coast of the United States and ashore around Naval Station Mayport, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, through Oct. 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 U.S.

"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 Navy Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 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 multinational 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 for the exercise is to collaboratively demonstrate the commitment to maritime security, crisis response, and the shared values that unite all participating forces in the defense of freedom and global stability.

A person wearing a military camouflage uniform speaks to a foreign military member in similar attire while gesturing with his right hand. There are two other foreign military members in similar attire standing in front and on top of a military vehicle.

A person wearing a flight suit and helmet looks out the back of an open military aircraft. There is a strap hooked to the floor of the aircraft that is also attached to the person for safety purposes. You can see exposed wires, seats and other equipment in the aircraft. Another military aircraft is visible from a window on the right.

A Marine wearing a camouflage military uniform, helmet and sunglasses lies on the ground as he looks through the scope of a machine gun. Another man in similar attire lies next to him while approximately a dozen foreign military members in camouflage uniforms observe in the background.

The land portion 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 including medical, cyber defense, and diving and salvage operations.

During the sea portion, forces will participate in events testing all warfare operations including live-fire exercises and an amphibious ship-to-shore landing and force withdrawal at Camp Lejeune.

"Our combined efforts as a maritime sea service are critical to ensuring free and open seas," Sardiello said. "UNITAS is an extraordinary opportunity for us to unite, operate, enhance proficiency, and improve interoperability of participating forces to respond to common threats."

Eight people wearing camouflage military uniforms swim in a pool during water survival training. The photo is taken from the bottom of the pool looking up at the people swimming on the surface.

Following the successful completion of UNITAS 2025, senior leaders from participating countries will join in a series of high-profile events along the East Coast, celebrating the Navy's 250th birthday, a historic milestone. This commemoration honors a legacy of protecting American interests, deterring aggression, and promoting prosperity and security, while also showcasing the Navy's enduring commitment to defending the American way of life.