"I am convinced, Our Father, that your fondest feelings are reserved for the least pretentious and most genuine of us. I am sure that Aviation Boatswain's Mates are some of your favorites. Certainly Aviation Boatswain's Mates have yet to find the virtues of humility, or soft-spokenness or gentleness. They do lead with their jaws, and they always seem to be more ready to fight than to switch. They can be singled out by their red eyes, and by a grubbiness which is a mark of their trade, but their wills match their strong backs, and their love of each other is a wondrous thing to behold. They are the salt of the deck, and the saltiness is honest and open, and they are uniquely your sons. We are grateful for them. As you love them specially, we mark them particularly tonight. Bless them every one, and forever keep them from harm and hurt. In Christ's name, Amen."
Description UNITAS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command with the objective to foster cooperation and increase interoperability among the navies of the Americas. Held continuously since 1959, UNITAS has become the premier multinational naval exercise in the Southern Command area of operations.
During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region.
UNITAS supports U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security in its area of responsibility. It is intended to train participating forces in a variety of maritime scenarios to test command and control of forces at sea, while operating as a multinational force to provide the maximum opportunity to improve interoperability.
