Peruvian Commandos and U.S. Marines approach the shores of Salinas during the largest amphibious assault exercise in Latin America, UNITAS 45-04.

Salinas, Peru (Jul. 04, 2004) Peruvian Commandos and U.S. Marines approach the shores of Salinas during the largest amphibious assault exercise in Latin America, UNITAS 45-04. Eleven partner nations from the U.S. and Latin America came together for the largest multilateral exercise in the Southern Hemisphere. Held since 1959, UNITAS aims to unite military forces throughout the Americas with bilateral and multilateral shipboard, amphibious and in-port exercises and operations. UNITAS improves operational readiness and interoperability of U.S. and South American naval, coast guard, and marine forces while promoting friendship, professionalism and understanding among participants. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Dave Fliesen File# 040704-N-1464F-007