Aspirants take part in operational exercises to familiarize themselves with life at sea
By Agência Marinha de Notícias – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Naval School aspirants embarked yesterday (11) on ships from the Brazilian Fleet to familiarize themselves with life at sea.
During their commission, they will have the opportunity to choose between the Armed Forces, the Marines or the Navy Intendants – which will define the path of their respective careers. The Naval Force units will return to Rio de Janeiro on February 2.
The ships will visit the ports of Fortaleza (CE), Natal (RN), Cabedelo (PB), Recife (PE), Maceió (AL) and Salvador (BA). Along the way, the students will take part in and learn about operational exercises of a strictly military nature, involving the Fleet’s naval and aerial resources, which guarantee maritime security and the protection of national objectives and interests in the Blue Amazon.
Around 170 midshipmen from the Brazilian Navy (MB), eight of whom are female, will be training in tactical maneuvers between ships, navigation, transferring cargo at sea, operating on-board systems such as radars and machines, and manning special and emergency situations such as abandonment stations.
Among other exercises, they will also take part in simulations to intercept and board vessels suspected of committing maritime illicit acts.
Eight cadets from the Brazilian Army (EB) and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) have also embarked on the operation, in order to increase exchanges between the military academies that train officers (the Naval Academy, the Agulhas Negras Military Academy and the Air Force Academy). Around 2,300 military personnel are taking part in Aspirantex 2024.
On land
During the port phase of Aspirantex, in the city of Fortaleza (CE), MB will carry out civic and social actions, with the aim of providing medical and social assistance to the population. The initiative, which has the cooperation of the Municipal Health Department, is part of the Navy’s field of action in which the Naval Force is deployed in support of government actions.
On January 19, Navy personnel will support the maintenance of the “Matias Beck” Full-Time High School, with painting, plumbing and electrical repairs. At the same time, non-perishable food and personal hygiene items will be donated to a home for the elderly, as well as blood donations in partnership with the CAA Hematology and Hemotherapy Center (HEMOCE). On the 20th, in an unprecedented way, on board the Multipurpose Aerodrome Ship “Atlântico”, there will be free medical and dental care, pre-scheduled by the Municipal Health Department.
The ships will also be open to the public in the ports of Fortaleza (CE), Natal (RN), Cabedelo (PB), Recife (PE), on January 21, and Maceió (AL) and Salvador (BA), on January 28. Admission is free. This is another opportunity for society to get to know seafaring culture and get closer to the Naval Force.
At sea and in the air
The following naval and air assets are taking part in the operation: the Multipurpose Aerodrome Ship “Atlântico” (Captaincy of the Brazilian Fleet), the Frigates “Defensora”, “Constituição”, “Liberal”, “Independência” and “União”, the Corvette “Julio de Noronha”, the Submarine “Tikuna”, as well as two UH-12 ” Esquilo” helicopters, two UH-15 “Super Cougar”, two SH16 “Seahawk”, two AH-11B “Wild Lynx”, one IH-6B “Bell Jet Ranger III”, two AF-1 “Skyhawk” fighters and one RQ-1 “ScanEagle” Remotely Piloted Air System (SARP-E), operating from the “Apa” Ocean Patrol Vessel. Aspirantex will also include the participation of FAB aircraft.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***