Deepening Alliances: URC and UUVRON 1 Master Undersea Rescue Drills with the Peruvian Navy

The Defense Submarine Initiative (DESI) program, launched by U.S. Fleet Forces Command in 2001, facilitates collaboration between the U.S. Navy and South American submarine-operating navies during fleet readiness exercises. This initiative sees South American submarines visiting the United States for drills and exercises, fostering closer ties with U.S. forces. Recently, while stationed in Southern California, the Pisagua crew enhanced their proficiencies in areas like damage control, communications, hoisting exercises, and undersea rescue, while forming strong connections with U.S. Navy personnel.

A significant aspect of their time in California was partnering with the Undersea Rescue Command (URC), the U.S. Navy’s exclusive provider of rescue support for U.S. and allied submarines. “This exercise enhances our coordination with allies and partners for submarine rescue missions,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Skiles, URC’s executive officer. This exercise not only refines rescue tactics, techniques, and procedures but also strengthens international relations and boosts confidence among allies and partners in ensuring sailor safety during major emergencies.

The exercise involved a complex operation where the Pisagua submerged to the ocean floor, initiating underwater communication with a simulated rescue team. The team, with help from UUVGRU-1 personnel, then located the submarine and coordinated with URC’s DISSUB Response Team to minimize rescue intervention time.

This collaboration marks the fourth partnership between URC and DESI and the second with BAP Pisagua, signifying increasing synergy between URC and international affiliates. “Submarine rescue coordination is a unique mission globally, allowing us to exchange knowledge with partners,” Skiles stated. Events like DYNAMIC MONARCH and DESI are crucial, especially for countries lacking inherent submarine rescue technologies, relying on external support during emergencies.

For the Peruvian Navy, these exercises underscore DESI’s pivotal role in enhancing U.S.-Peru cooperation across diverse areas and theaters. “We’ve gained invaluable insights from this program with the U.S. Navy. We’re eagerly anticipating our next DESI participation,” remarked Cmdr. Raul UGARTE Aguayo, Peruvian Navy Submarine Liaison Officer. In 2026, Peru plans to further boost this collaboration by incorporating a new rescue seat to their submarine Chipana.

The URC team consists of active-duty and Reserve sailors, along with civilian contractors, and remains the U.S. Navy’s sole command capable of deploying worldwide during submarine emergencies. Meanwhile, Submarine Squadron 11 oversees training and operational readiness, supporting various missions like anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence operations.