The US Navy-hosted Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative Exercise (DESI-EX) entered its second phase on September 8.
The international exercise, held annually in conjunction with South American Naval Forces, was organized by HSM Weapons School Pacific (HSMWSP) in coordination with Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic International Programs and Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet.
DESI-EX is an Undersea Warfare exercise that allows MH-60R aircraft from various CHSMWP and Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) commands the ability to practice their Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) skills against a skilled, foreign adversary in a variety of challenging environments.
The event was organized by HSM Weapons School Pacific (HSMWSP) in coordination with Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic International Programs and Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, and will take place.
Phase One of the exercise took place July 15 – 20, on the Southern California Offshore Range and Tanner Bank operating area, and involved aircraft and crews from six CHSMWP and three MPRA squadrons that completed 29 sorties over the course of 147 flight hours.
Participants trained alongside the Peruvian Navy submarine BAP Pisagua (SS 33), a German Type 209 diesel-electric submarine, to refine their ASW and tactical acumen.
DESI-EX was established in 2001 by the United State Fleet Forces Command. Since, it has afforded ASW-centric squadrons the ability to refine coordination among dissimilar U.S. Navy aircraft and have promoted interoperability with allied nations to complete common missions.