Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello hosted Ecuadorian Navy officials for Maritime Staff Talks in St. Augustine, Florida. The discussions aimed to enhance cooperation and interoperability, focusing on future joint exercises such as UNITAS 2025 and the Continuing Promise 2025 deployment. Both sides emphasized mutual trust and collaboration for regional security and stability.
On February 27-28, 2025, Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet, hosted a delegation from the Ecuadorian Navy for Maritime Staff Talks at the historic St. Francis Barracks in St. Augustine, Florida. During this meeting, he was joined by representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard to discuss collaborative efforts with the Ecuadorian representatives, including Rear Admiral Luis Eduardo Piedra, the General Inspector of the Ecuadorian Navy.
The discussions aimed to enhance coordination and interoperability between the two navies, with Rear Adm. Sardiello stating, “This meeting represents a valuable opportunity to deepen our coordination, interoperability, mutual understanding, directly contributing to strengthening U.S. and regional security and prosperity.”
Rear Adm. Piedra reiterated the importance of trust in military collaboration, asserting the discussions produced actionable items that would benefit the security and prosperity of both nations: “Without a doubt, the efforts made in this successful MST materialized in several action items which will contribute to making both of our countries stronger, safer and more prosperous.”
Key topics addressed during the talks included Ecuador’s involvement in UNITAS 2025, a significant military exercise celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and the Continuing Promise 2025 deployment where the USNS Comfort will visit Ecuador. Updates were also provided on hybrid fleet operations in the Eastern Pacific.
The Ecuadorian Navy presented their mission objectives and regional maritime operations to the U.S. delegation, highlighting their domestic efforts. The talks concluded with a tour of the Castillo de San Marcos, a symbol of appreciation exchanged between both parties, along with a signing event to confirm their agreement on future collaborative efforts.
Both Rear Adm. Sardiello and Rear Adm. Piedra expressed their dedication to enhancing the enduring partnership between the United States and Ecuador in maritime security matters. The U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet serves as a reliable partner in promoting unity and stability among Caribbean, Central, and South American maritime forces.
The Maritime Staff Talks between the U.S. and Ecuadorian navies emphasized the importance of collaboration and trust in strengthening regional security. Both Rear Adm. Sardiello and Rear Adm. Piedra committed to continuing their partnership through future exercises and joint operations, reflecting a shared dedication to maritime stability in the region.
Original Source: www.dvidshub.net
