The operation marked the start of the Fleet’s operational exercises in 2024 and the professional choice of the Brazilian Navy Aspirants
By Agência Marinha de Notícias – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
After carrying out strictly military operational exercises in the maritime area between Rio de Janeiro and CAA, Operation “Aspirantex 2024” came to an end on Friday (02). Around 2,300 military personnel, including 180 Naval School (EN) Aspirants and Cadets from the Brazilian Army and the Brazilian Air Force, took part in the activities, which began on January 11. The aim of the commission was to increase the training of the Brazilian Fleet’s naval and aerial resources and familiarize the Aspirants, future Officers of the Brazilian Navy (MB), with life at sea. On this occasion, the 2nd year students made their career choice between the Navy, Marines and Navy Intendants Corps.
During the 23 days on board, the Aspirants were trained in tactical maneuvers between ships, navigation, cargo transfer at sea; the operation of on-board systems, such as radar and machinery; and manning posts in special and emergency situations, such as firefighting and abandonment. They also observed simulations of intercepting and boarding vessels suspected of committing maritime illicit acts. The EN students interacted with officers from different areas to clarify doubts and curiosities and learn more about their day-to-day careers.
The activities of “Aspirantex” refer to the basic tasks of Naval Power, which contribute to ensuring maritime security and protecting national objectives and interests in the “Blue Amazon”. The interaction of the Fleet’s naval and aerial resources has made it possible to increase the Force’s operational capacity and reinforce the MB’s commitment to constant improvement, whether in the air or at sea.
With regard to air operations, aircraft pilots and ship maneuvering and cracking teams were (re)qualified to land on board. In fact, during “Aspirantex 2024”, the Multipurpose Aerodrome Ship “Atlântico” reached the milestone of 4,000 landings on its flight deck. Navy AF-1 fighters flew over the Fleet’s ships in an attack simulation. The helicopters carried out clarification flights to improve the process of identifying possible enemies and to help the ships’ commanders make decisions for rapid action and combat.
The frigates (escort ships) and the “Atlântico” (highest value unit) practiced exercises such as Leap Frog (approach maneuvers) and Light Line (maneuvers to maintain position and distance between ships). They also explored tactics for approaching contacts of interest. As part of the training, the ships were boarded by a detachment of MB Combat Divers (MEC), using fast rope (a technique for quickly landing a helicopter in a hostile environment using a cable). The MECs inspected the vessel’s compartments, questioned the crew and seized them.
There was also the transfer of cargo between ships with the support of a helicopter with an external hook, where the material was secured. This technique, known as VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment), allows the ship to be refueled on the high seas and increase its autonomy, without the need to interrupt navigation for refueling, for example. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) was launched from the Ocean Patrol Ship “Apa”, off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, to search for a pre-defined target and transmit the images captured in real time to the command, in order to assist decisions in a simulated conflict.
In parallel, the ships had to face cyber warfare actions, which include tests to interrupt, deny, degrade, corrupt or destroy information or computer systems and communications networks of the units involved. Hostile vessels, simulated by MB speedboats, tried to approach the Fleet ships. To deal with these threats, the gradual use of force was employed, using non-lethal resources to neutralize the opponents.
Combat power and firepower were assessed in day and night actions. Illuminating grenades, bright aerial targets, were launched at night and hit by cannon fire from the ships. During the day, the ships aimed at an inflatable orange target that was launched into the sea. The Fleet’s continuous preparation is necessary to help guarantee the safety of navigation, the defense of the homeland and the resources of the Blue Amazon.
Naval and aeronautical assets at “Aspirantex 2024”:
- NAM “Atlântico”;
- Frigates “Defensora”, “Constituição”, “Liberal”, “Independência” and “União”;
- Corvette “Julio de Noronha”;
- Submarine “Tikuna”;
- UH-12 “Esquilo”, UH-15 / AH-15B “Super Cougar”, SH-16 “Seahawk”, AH-11B “Wild Lynx”, IH-6B “Bell Jet Ranger III” helicopters;
- RQ-1 “ScanEagle” Unmanned Aerial Vehicle; and
- AF-1 “Skyhawk” fighters.
MB activities in support of the State and public visitation
On January 19 and 20, a major civic and social action took place in Fortaleza (CE). Around 120 people were treated by military doctors – pediatrics, orthopedics, neurology and general practice – and dentists on board the NAM “Atlântico”. The action took place in partnership with the Municipal Health Department.
At the Recanto do Sagrado Coração de Jesus home for the elderly, located in the capital of Ceará, donations were delivered, including more than a ton of non-perishable food and personal hygiene materials. At the “Matias Beck” Full-Time High School in the same city, Navy personnel carried out plumbing and electrical repairs, as well as painting the façade and the sports court.
Aspirants from the Naval School and military personnel from MB ships volunteered to donate blood at the CAA Hematology and Hemotherapy Center in order to contribute to the organization’s stock of blood bags. One hundred military personnel turned up for the act of solidarity.
In three days of public visits, the Fleet ships received 24,900 people in the ports of Fortaleza (CE), Natal (RN), Cabedelo (PB), Natal (RN), Salvador (BA), Maceió (AL) and Vitória (ES). As well as seeing the largest warship in the country, the visitors had the opportunity to see the armored vehicles of the Marines and the helicopters of the Brazilian Navy.
Visitors also learned about the equipment used by MB military personnel, such as: remotely piloted aircraft; surface missiles; diving; and precision shooting and confined environment combat. This was an experience to bring Brazilian society closer to naval culture and seafaring traditions, as well as the Force’s naval and aerial resources, which are used to guarantee the defense of the homeland and the Blue Amazon.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***