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HMS Protector prepares for the Antarctic after South American exercise
11 October 2024
The Royal Navy’s icebreaker swapped polar scientific work for pulsating boarding operations off the Chilean coastline.
HMS Protector is heading towards the Antarctic after a mission in Canada’s Hudson Bay but before that sailed south for Chile to take part in the longest running military exercise in the world.
The 65th edition of Unitas – Latin for unity – saw 19 warships, 19 aircraft and 4,300 personnel from 24 nations work on a range of traditional warfare operations, but also focused on cyber and information battlegrounds.
It was the largest Unitas since it all began in 1959, with ships scattered 2,000 miles from the Strait of Magellan and Drake’s Passage between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica to Puerto Aldea further up Chile’s 4,000-mile-long coastline.
Protector was at the heart of the naval task force – standing out in her red and white livery against the grey navy warships – and primarily played host to boarding operations, with US, Chilean, Mexican and Colombian troops landing and clearing through the ship.
The polar patrol ship simulated the role of a civilian vessel smuggling weapons and arms with one of the ship’s company playing the role of ‘Pablo the smuggler’, whom boarding teams had to chase down and capture.
The aim of Unitas is to bring together South American and partner forces to promote stability and security across the continent.
Commander Mark Vartan, Protector’s Executive Officer, said: “It was a unique opportunity to represent the Royal Navy and Great Britain in the longest-running multi-national maritime exercise anywhere in the world.
“Building new relationships and reinforcing longstanding associations in an area of the globe that the RN rarely now has the opportunity to visit, will have been a first for many of the ship’s company.
“The ‘Red and White’ amongst the ‘Greys’ certainly delivered an effect in terms of photographic opportunity and was an easy conversation “icebreaker” (if you will excuse the pun) at the various social and sporting events.
“All nations present demonstrated professionalism and esprit de corps with an infectious camaraderie and genuine warmth which will be remembered for many years to come.”
Unitas was an opportunity for the Royal Navy to build deeper bonds with long-standing partners and showcase the vital research work Protector undertakes in the Antarctic every year.
Protector deployed to Chile from Quebec, making a 40-day, 5,800 nautical mile voyage south through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, crossing the Equator and then down to Valparaíso, a port city looking out across the Pacific, and home to the Chilean Navy.
British sailors were welcomed warmly in the city and the opening ceremony on Chilean amphibious ship CNS Sargento Aldea further bonded crews together, with sports – including football, volleyball and basketball – taking place.
The home from home atmosphere was aided by some familiar ships dotted about the harbour at Valparaíso, including former HMS Sheffield, the Chilean Type 22 frigate Almirante Williams and ex-HMS Norfolk, the Type 23 frigate now known as Almirante Cochrane.
Ex-HMS Grafton, the Type 23 Almirante Lynch, was also in action during Unitas. The Chileans also have the former HMS Marlborough in service under the name Almirante Condell.
Chief Petty Officer Alex Ferrier said: “We had unique opportunities to network and collaborate with navies from other nations. One notable aspect was the presence of several decommissioned Royal Navy-built ships still actively serving in foreign fleets.
“The exercise facilitated multinational communications and boarding drills, providing valuable practice for the ship’s aviation capabilities, particularly in setting up the helideck for fast-roping operations.
“The confidence and relationships fostered during the exercise are expected to enhance future interoperability and operational capabilities.”
Lieutenant Commander Phillip Boak, Protector’s First Lieutenant, added: “A real highlight was being able to learn from the other navies taking part in the exercise; sharing knowledge and experiences on both a professional and personal level.
“Deployed to the Pacific, I also managed to ‘tick off’ my final ocean, having previously operated in the Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and Southern Ocean.”
The naval task group carried out a range of training, including in search and rescue, force protection and the boarding drills, with troops fast roping onto Protector’s flight deck and fast boats speeding alongside the ice breaker.
Lieutenant Duncan Napier said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for Protector to demonstrate her versatility and capability by participating – and excelling – in an exercise which has traditionally been the domain of frigates and destroyers.
“It provided a welcome challenge for the whole crew, from the tactical communicators through to the aviation team. With serials varying from flashing light exercises to safely executing boarding serials by boat and helicopter in challenging sea and weather conditions.”
The ship is now preparing for her next scientific and conservation mission to the Antarctic this winter.