UNITAS Gold explained

UNITAS Gold was the 50th iteration of UNITAS, which began in 1959 and is the longest-running multilateral maritime exercise.^[1] The 2009 exercises included 25 ships and 70 aircraft from 12 nations and was the 50th time the operation was conducted.^[2]

Rear Admiral Joseph D. Kernan, then-Commander, U.S. Fourth Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, remarked that UNITAS helps "nations coordinate efforts to oppose the scourge" of piracy.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Boynton. Holly. UNITAS Gold, Longest Running Naval Exercise, Begins in Florida. Official Website of the United States Navy. United States Navy. 2 January 2017. 21 April 2009.
2. Book: James G. Stavridis. Partnership for the Americas: Western Hemisphere Strategy and U.S. Southern Command. February 2014. NDU Press. 86–87. GGKEY:KDBABGL9GBS.
3. Book: Peter Kien Hong Yu. International Governance and Regimes: A Chinese Perspective. 21 August 2012. Routledge. 978-1-136-52101-0. 111.