Peruvian, US Navy submarines taking part in Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative

Peruvian Submarine BAP Angamos (SS-31) arrived at Naval Base San Diego in October to take part in the Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) program.

Angamos is joined by the staff of Commander, Submarine Squadron 11 (CSS-11) and the crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 757) as part of a program aimed at sharpening their respective warfighting tools.

During the two-month bi-lateral training, The German-built Type 209 submarine will participate in a multitude of different exercises, to include surface, air, and sub-surface anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises, a carrier strike group composite unit training exercise and a maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft exercise.

Sailors aboard Angamos will also engage in training ashore at Naval Base Point Loma. The Submarine Learning Center Detachment San Diego will host the Peruvian Sailors for classroom and practical training. This includes fighting simulated fires at the firefighting trainer and learning skills to combat flooding in the damage control team trainer.

“Each year, Submarine Squadron 11 looks forward to DESI and we are thrilled this year to be working with our Peruvian counterpart,” said Capt. Patrick Friedman, CSS-11. “By having an SSK operate and train with us, it gives us the opportunity to practice on a platform that has a similar signature to our adversaries. Not to mention, there is a great deal of diplomatic good will that is fostered through these engagements.”

DESI, established in 2001 by US Fleet Forces Command, is an international program led by Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, which works to enhance the Navy’s capability to operate with diesel-electric submarines by collaborating with South American navies.