Offshore training took place during Operation “GUINEX-III”
Last Saturday (16), the Brazilian Navy (MB) frigate “Liberal” carried out exercises on the high seas with the Spanish Navy’s Maritime Action Ship “Tornado”, during Operation “GUINEX-III”. The training aims to promote interoperability between ships operating off the west coast of Africa, as well as strengthening the bonds of friendship with navies committed to increasing maritime security in the region.
The exercises included Leap Frog, in which the maneuver of approaching ships at close range is practiced, and Light-line, which consists of passing a device with the purpose of maintaining the position between ships while they sail, at a planned distance. These actions aim to improve training for the transfer of cargo and oil at sea. MB UH-12 Esquilo aircraft also landed on the Spanish ship.
The action also made it possible to demonstrate the Brazilian Navy’s operational capabilities in conducting exercises that require a greater degree of planning, together with a relevant navy in the context of the European Union, during Operation “GUINEX-III”, coordinated by Brazil.
Operation “GUINEX”, which is in its third edition and has been taking place since 2021, aims to strengthen relations between the Brazilian Navy and the Navies and Coast Guards of the countries on the west coast of Africa, as well as contributing to Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea region and promoting the importance of the South Atlantic Zone of Cooperation and Peace. This Zone of Cooperation began as a forum in 1986 to encourage dialogue and cooperation between the coastal countries of the South Atlantic, fostering peacekeeping and maritime security in the region. However, each year it has gained more relevance and the convergence of the countries involved.
Continuing the operation, from September 18 to 21, the Brazilian frigate will be docked in the Port of Dakar, Senegal, where exercises will be held in the port and workshops will be held to share operational experiences with the local navy, as well as planning exercises at sea after undocking.
Maritime Action Ship “Tornado”
The Maritime Action Ship “Tornado”, which joined the Spanish Navy in 2012, is the fourth and last of the “Meteoro” class, built at the San Fernando shipyard in Cádiz, Spain.
Based at the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Military Arsenal, it plays a significant role in Maritime Security and its mission is maritime control against asymmetric or small conventional threats, mainly in low-intensity scenarios, as well as limited neutralization actions in the context of Maritime Security. As such, the 94-meter-long ship has a presence in the fight against drug trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, as well as anti-piracy activities.
In addition to its participation in the Brazilian Operation “GUINEX”, it will also take part in Operation “GRAND AFRICAN NEMO”, coordinated by France, which will be carried out in October this year to promote maritime security on the west coast of Africa, with the participation of the MB’s Ocean Patrol Vessel “Amazonas”.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias