Operation Allies Welcome

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro addresses a crowd of partner nations following a Brazilian cultural dance demonstration provided by Brazilian Forcas no Esporte (Forces in Sport) on the official opening day of exercise UNITAS LXIII at Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 8, 2022. The Forcas no Esporte program aims to reduce the social risks of vulnerable young Brazilians and strengthen bonds of citizenship, inclusion, and social integration. The SECNAV shared his personal story regarding his humble upbringing from Cuba to the barrios of New York City. “If you apply yourself, if you study, if you work hard, your dreams can come true… and whatever you do, do it with passion so you can achieve your dreams.” UNITAS is the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Maj. Jeremy Wheeler)