Chilean submarine CS Carrera arrived in San Diego, California, on Sept. 1 to participate in the Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) training program alongside U.S. Navy personnel.
Chilean submarine CS Carrera arrived in San Diego, California, on Sept. 1 to participate in the Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) training program alongside U.S. Navy personnel.
DESI is a three-month partnership that allows the U.S. and partner navies to work together to train and test underwater warfare capabilities through engagement tactics, weapon system tests and close-encounter operations.
“This is a great opportunity for both navies to train together,” said Cmdr. Carlos Schnaidt, the commanding officer of CS Carrera. “We will be training with the world’s best Navy in dealing with the different threats of today. There will be challenges for both navies, but my crew and I are ready to participate in the training exercises.”
The partnership assists in the development of a stronger Navy and setting historical milestones with the United States and countries like Chile. Other participating DESI partners include Colombia, Brazil and Peru.
This is the fourth time that a Chilean submarine has participated in DESI, but it is the first time Carrera has visited San Diego and partnered with Commander, U.S. Third Fleet to conduct operations off the west coast.
While in San Diego, Chilean Sailors and officers will stay with their U.S. counterparts in on-base quarters. They will also have the opportunity to visit the city of San Diego and engage with U.S. Sailors during scheduled social events in their honor.
“The DESI program allows us to train together and improve our ability to combat the real-world threat of diesel-electric submarines,” said Rear Adm. Jack Hines, Deputy Commander, U.S. Third Fleet. “We have a long-standing partnership with the Chilean Navy, and this event is evidence of that relationship. The extent to which we are connected and interoperable with our international partners and allies is invaluable to our success in the maritime environment.”