Veracruz, Mexico — Mexico and U.S. navy personnel participated in the NAMSI GoMex 2023 exercise off the coast of Veracruz. From May 9 to 11, the Bilateral Exercise of the North American Maritime Security and Protection Initiative, “NAMSI”, was held in correlation with the U.S. Coast Guard based in the port of Veracruz.
This initiative was signed in 2008 and ratified in 2018, being a trilateral forum for cooperation, focused on promoting the strengthening of capacities and appropriate practices among the maritime forces of the Mexico Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Maritime Component Command in order to increase security and maritime protection in the North American region.
Likewise, interoperability through the exchange of information, the development of exercises, seminars, protocols and coordination of operations.
On this occasion, the Canadian Maritime Component Command could not be present, so the trilateral forum changed its format to a bilateral exercise, beginning with a significant welcome and inauguration ceremony on board the ARM ship “OAXACA”.
Subsequently, at the facilities of the Third Naval Region, a cabinet exercise was carried out with the objective of familiarizing the participants with the protocols, the procedures of the initiative and the current international legislation.
During the execution of combined training operations on the Veracruz coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the following units participated, from Mexico, the ARM ship “OAXACA” (PO-161), the ARM interceptor patrol “HAMAL” (PI- 1131) and a Defender-type vessel from the Naval Search, Rescue and Maritime Surveillance Station of Veracruz.
In charge of the the USCG ship “DANIEL TARR” participated with personnel from the Coast Guard of the Atlantic Area Districts 7, 8 and 11, as well as observers and controllers from both nations.
Among the combined training operations, Passing Exercises (PASSEX) were carried out, to maintain the Rule of Law as well as search and rescue at sea in accordance with the protocols of the initiative.
The bilateral forum concluded with feedback based on the lessons learned, the strengthening of friendship ties and the learning acquired through the exchange of knowledge and practices, which enriched this version of the “NAMSI GOMEX, 2023” Initiative.
These exercises will continue to be carried out with the main objective of ensuring the safety and integrity of citizens.
