CSS-11 staff welcomed the South American partners on the pier, followed by lunch and what both sides look forward to as the beginning of a successful partnership.
“Each year Submarine Squadron 11 looks forward to DESI, and we look forward to working with the Peruvian response force this year,” said Capt. Ken Douglas, Brigadier General of CSS-11. “U.S. alliances and partnerships are a lasting strength, and training on high-end diesel submarines like the Pisagua gives us the opportunity to maintain the competitiveness we need in the undersea domain. It helps strengthen the bond between them.”
Founded in 2001 by the U.S. Fleet Command, DESI is an international program led by the Commander, Atlantic Submarine Force, working with South American navies to enhance their capabilities to operate with diesel-electric submarines. is.
Lt. Cecilia Kajandig, CSS-11 Liaison Officer in Pisagua, said: “We hope they learn as much from us as we learn from them.”
During the two-month bilateral exercise, Pisagua will participate in a variety of exercises, including surface, air, and submarine anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises, carrier strike group combined force training exercises, and naval exercises. Patrol reconnaissance aircraft exercises.
Sailors embarking on Pisagua will also undergo landing training at the Loma Naval Base. The Submarine Training Facility San Diego will host Peruvian sailors for classroom and hands-on training. This includes fighting simulated fires with the Fire Trainer and learning skills to fight floods with the Damage Control Team Trainer.
“We are confident that the skills and tools we have gained from our experience will make this exercise better prepared to accomplish our mission,” said Kajandig. “We believe we share a common goal of wanting to be the best. To be the best, you have to train to fight.”
Peru continues to provide invaluable support to this major foreign submarine exercise programme. Over the past 19 years, Peruvian submarines have participated in numerous fleet exercises and tactical development events with the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. The Peruvian Navy operates a total of six her SSK fleets. Notably, Peru has the largest submarine force in South America and her second oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
CSS-11 is based at Loma Naval Base and consists of four Los Angeles-class fast attack submarines, a floating drydock ARCO (ARDM 5) and an Undersea Rescue Corps (URC). Squadron staff are responsible for providing training, supplies, and personnel readiness support to each of these units.
