MAY 4, 2026 – The Argentine and U.S. navies conducted a bilateral maritime engagement as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (USNAVSOUTH)/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2026 deployment in the Atlantic Ocean, April 28-May 1.
The engagement, focused on increasing interoperability between the two navies, included participation by Argentine Navy Almirante Brown-class destroyers ARA La Argentina (DD 11) and ARA Sarandi (D 13), Espora-class corvettes ARA Rosales (P 42) and ARA Robinson (P 45), Gowind-class offshore patrol vessels ARA Piedrabuena (P 52) and ARA Bartolome Cordero (P 54), U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101), and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
Aircraft involved also included an Argentine P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft and SH-3 Sea King and AS550 Fennec helicopters, and U.S. Navy MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17.
“Training with allies like Argentina builds the trust required to operate together in complex environments,” said Rear Adm. Cassidy Norman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11. “Working through realistic scenarios with our Armada de Argentina counterparts deepened our understanding of each other’s systems, sharpened our interoperability, and strengthened our ability to accomplish our many shared maritime objectives.”
Training conducted included subject matter expert exchanges, communications drills, a live-fire gunnery exercise, maneuvering in formation and air defense exercises.
Nimitz also hosted a visit of senior Argentine government and military leaders including President, Javier Milei; Minister of Defense, Gen. Carlos Alberto Presti; Foreign Minister, Pablo Quirno; and Chief of Defense, Vice Adm. Marcelo Alejandro Dalle Nogare. The delegation was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas.
The visit was one of many planned opportunities for distinguished visitors to observe carrier operations aboard Nimitz during Southern Seas 2026.
While onboard, the Argentine delegation met with Norman and Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. The leaders discussed the Southern Seas 2026 mission and the role of maritime cooperation in the alliance between Argentina and the U.S.
Visitors also observed flight operations and an air power demonstration from Nimitz’ flight deck.
The visit and bilateral training demonstrated the Southern Seas 2026 mission to strengthen existing regional partnerships, and encourage the establishment of new relationships, through the exchange of maritime mission-focused knowledge and expertise.
Southern Seas 2026 marks the 11th iteration of the exercise, launched in 2007. Like the previous deployments, Southern Seas 2026 is designed to foster goodwill, strengthen maritime partnerships to counter threats, and build the U.S. Navy’s team alongside partner nation maritime services.
During the deployment, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) is scheduled to conduct passing exercises and operations at sea with partner nation maritime forces as the ships circumnavigate the continent of South America.
NIMCSG consists of Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing 17, Destroyer Squadron 9, and Gridley.
USNAVSOUTH/U.S. 4th Fleet is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces improving regional unity and security.
Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet at https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil, https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT.
From Seaman Apprentice Raven Fraser