UNITAS

ABOUT UNITAS 2022

UNITAS (Latin for “UNITED”) is the oldest and largest maritime exercise in the region. It began in 1959 as a South American and U.S. regional exercise designed to demonstrate a united stance against the spread of the Soviet Union’s influence and presence in Latin America. The exercise continues to be the most important naval exercise in the U.S. Southern Command AOR promoting partnership and demonstrating U.S. importance and commitment to the region.

UNITAS 2022 - NEWS Articles

UNITAS Concludes After Successful Exercise
UNITAS LXIII (63), the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise concluded with a closing ceremony in Rio De Janeiro, Sept. 22, 2022....

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Kicks Off UNITAS LXIII in Rio De Janeiro
More than 5,500 military personnel from 19 partner nations kicked off UNITAS LXIII (63) during an opening ceremony Sept. 8, 2022....

U.S. Maritime Forces Arrive for UNITAS LXIII hosted by Brazil
Navy and Marine forces are set to arrive in Rio de Janeiro in support of UNITAS LXIII, the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise scheduled to take place Sept. 8-22.This year’s...

UNITAS 2022 - VIDEOS

Video Player

Video by Sgt. Gabriel Groseclose-Durand

Overview of U.S. Marine Corps Forces South

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

May 14, 2025 | 4:31

This production describes the function of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South and opportunities for our Allies and partners to work with U.S. Marines across the region. MARFORSOUTH works closely with Allies and partners to conduct training exercises and security cooperation events. U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South is the Service component of U.S. Southern Command, responsible for U.S. Marine activity in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. MARFORSOUTH provides contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation plans to deter aggression, defeat threats, rapidly respond to crises, and build regional capacity, working with our allies, partner nations, and U.S. government team members to enhance security and help defend the U.S. homeland and our national interests. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt Gabriel Durand)