The USS George Washington aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, along with its escorts and support vessels, is preparing to begin its deployment in the operational area of the Southern Command. Designated by the U.S. Fourth Fleet as Southern Seas 2024, this deployment will involve conducting combined activities with various Latin American naval forces, including the navy of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay, as well as port visits to Brazil, Chile, and Peru.
Through an announcement made by the United States embassies in South America, the combat and support vessels that will accompany the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier during its circumnavigation of South America have also been confirmed. The escort group will consist of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) and a Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet oiler. More specifically, the USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189).
While the itinerary may be subject to changes and variations, it is anticipated that the United States Navy vessels will conduct a series of PASSEX exercises, as well as other naval operations in the waters of the South Atlantic and Pacific.
Since the beginning of this type of deployment, with the first one in 2010 under the Southern Seas modality, this is the tenth edition of these deployments and the third occasion in which the USS George Washington aircraft carrier will participate; the previous ones being in 2008 and 2015.
“Southern Seas 2024 will provide the opportunity to enhance interoperability and increase proficiency with the maritime forces of partner countries,” stated Rear Admiral Jim Aiken, Commander of the U.S. Southern Command’s Naval Forces/U.S. 4th Fleet. “Deployments like Southern Seas strengthen maritime partnerships and build trust with our partners in the region.”
Meanwhile, in anticipation of its visit to Argentine waters, the Argentine Navy has been preparing various assets and personnel for the execution of diverse activities with the USS George Washington aircraft carrier. While no specific dates have been set, it is expected that combined exercises between the Argentine Navy and the United States will take place in May.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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