240919-N-DB801-1049

CALLAO NAVAL BASE, Peru – (Sept. 19, 2024) — U.S. Navy Capt. Thomas Chekouras, Amphibious Squadron 7 Commodore, right, meets Brazilian Navy Capt. Rogerio Diniz, commanding officer of the Niteroi-class frigate BNF Liberal, during the opening ceremony of SOLIDAREX 2024 on Callao Naval Base, Peru, Sept. 19, 2024. SOLIDAREX is a multinational maritime exercise focused on the required interoperability to rapidly execute large scale humanitarian aid and disaster response in northwest South America. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is the maritime component of U.S. Southern Command and the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor/Released)