The U.S. 4th Fleet and Ecuadorian Navy engaged in Maritime Staff Talks in St. Augustine, Florida, on February 27-28, 2025. The discussions emphasized coordination on upcoming exercises, including UNITAS 2025, and humanitarian missions such as Continuing Promise 2025. The talks aimed to bolster military collaboration and regional security between the two nations.
On February 27-28, 2025, Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, hosted Maritime Staff Talks (MST) with a delegation from the Ecuadorian Navy at St. Francis Barracks, Florida. This meeting aimed to enhance coordination and interoperability between the U.S. and Ecuadorian naval forces, contributing to regional security and prosperity.
The U.S. delegation included representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard. Rear Adm. Luis Eduardo Piedra, General Inspector of the Ecuadorian Navy, expressed a mutual commitment to strengthening the partnership between the two nations.
Discussions centered on future exercises, prominently Ecuador’s involvement in UNITAS 2025, commemorating the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Additionally, details about the Continuing Promise 2025 deployment were shared, including the USNS Comfort’s planned humanitarian mission to Ecuador.
The meeting also covered hybrid fleet operations in the Eastern Pacific, with Ecuador presenting updates on its naval objectives both nationally and regionally. The MST concluded with a tour of the Castillo de San Marcos, a gift exchange, and the signing of minutes to formalize their collaborative efforts.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet continues to strengthen maritime relationships across the Caribbean, Central, and South America, fostering unity and stability in the region.
The Maritime Staff Talks marked a significant step in enhancing the collaborative dynamic between U.S. and Ecuadorian naval forces. Key outcomes included planning for joint exercises and humanitarian missions, alongside shared commitments to regional security. Both nations reinforced their dedication to partnership in maritime operations, ensuring continued cooperation. With the upcoming UNITAS 2025 and Continuing Promise initiatives, both countries are set to strengthen ties further, contributing effectively to shared security objectives in the region.
Original Source: www.dvidshub.net
