US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 conducted a bilateral exercise with the Peruvian Navy and Air Force Sept. 30 through Oct. 3 as part of Southern Seas 2015.
The bilateral exercise helps regional forces work together to address shared maritime security priorities during a series of cooperative training events and subject matter exchanges.
Their integration aims to improve joint interoperability, carrier strike group operations and to practice war fighting against various threats.
During Southern Seas 2015, U.S. forces will also conduct two multilateral exercises with participants from Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico.
This is the first time in several years an aircraft carrier with an embarked air wing and destroyer squadron is transiting around South America.
After the drills concluded, USS George Washington (CVN 73) moored in Lima, Peru, on October 3 for a port visit.
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Image: US Navy