Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Pietrantoni | U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Monie R. Ulis, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army South,...... read more read more
POZO ALMONTE, Chile – Exercise Southern Fenix 24 (SF24) commenced with an opening ceremony hosted by the Chilean army, Aug. 27, 2024, at Fuerte Bacquedano, Pozo Almonte, Chile. SF24 is an inaugural multinational military exercise consisting of over 600 troops from the Chilean, Argentinian and U.S. Armies who will train to increase the technical and procedural interoperability in the austere desert environment of Atacama, Aug. 27-Sept.5, 2024 in northern Chile.
The main highlight will be the first-time deployment of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of operation debuting the onset of new warfighting concepts in partnership with Chile and Argentina.
“For the first time, we’ll deploy the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to this region, pioneering new warfighting concepts alongside our Chilean partners,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Monie R. Ulis, U.S. Army South Deputy Commanding General.
“This exercise underscores our shared commitment to technical and procedural interoperability, ensuring that our forces are prepared to operate seamlessly together, whether in training or in response to real-world challenges."
The training audience will consist of Soldiers from the11th Airborne Division, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade, Texas and New York Army National Guard who will train alongside Chilean and Argentinian troops.
Chilean army Maj. Gen Guillermo Altamirano Campos, commander of 6th Division, is grateful to train together with U.S. service members.
“It is a great honor to be able to share with you this space full of professionalism, exchanging of knowledge, and hopefully this enables us to keep bringing those ties closer,” said Altamirano Campos.
Over the next 10 days, U.S. service members and Chilean forces will enhance training on day and night airborne operations, HIMARS rapid integration (HIRAIN) training, and combined training exercises culminating in a live-fire exercise.
“With over 200 U.S. Soldiers training alongside more than 500 Chilean personnel, is a clear demonstration of our enduring promise of friendship, partnership, and solidarity,” said Ulis.
“Together, we are building on the momentum of trust and cooperation that is essential for a stable and peaceful region.”
Both generals expressed their desire to continue strengthening their partnership and more opportunities to train.
“This is a unique opportunity for us, and I imagine it is unique for you as well, " said Altamirano Campos.
"I look forward to being able to exchange experiences of doctrinal knowledge and bring our ties closer and open up more future opportunities to combine our forces with exercises like this."
| Date Taken: | 08.27.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.27.2024 16:27 |
| Story ID: | 479579 |
| Location: | POZO ALMONTE, TARAPACá, CL |
| Web Views: | 630 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, U.S., Chile, and Argentine forces kick off Southern Fenix 24, by SGT Richard Trinh, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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