As part of the combined activities between the Military Forces of Brazil and the United States, naval assets from both countries recently conducted a series of operational activities at sea. These involved one of the Ticonderoga-class missile cruisers, the USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55), of the United States Navy, and the Niteroi-class frigate Union of the Brazilian Navy.
While further details were not provided, the combined activity between the U.S. missile cruiser and the Brazilian frigate took place in waters near Rio de Janeiro, with aircraft from the respective vessels also participating. According to announcements on their social media platforms, the Brazilian Navy emphasized that “…The objective of the exercise was to increase interoperability between the two Marines, enhance the level of training and readiness of their ships, and contribute to strengthening cooperation ties between the participating countries.”
Adding to reference the activities carried out between both ships and crews, it was stated that: “…Several operational exercises were conducted, including rapid response to the actual use of armaments; interrogation and approach with the ships’ Visit and Inspection Groups; and flag communication. The AH-11B “Super Lynx” aircraft, from the 1st Attack Helicopter Squadron, also participated in the commission, conducting landing drills on the American vessel.”
Regarding the presence of the guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf in the waters of the South Atlantic, this is due to the activities it has been conducting as part of control and surveillance operations. In one such operation recorded earlier in the month, the unit of the United States Navy, along with assets from the U.S. Coast Guard, intercepted and participated in the capture of a “narco-submarine” transporting illicit substances.
It is worth noting that during its patrol in the Atlantic, the USS Leyte Gulf, under the command of the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), supporting bilateral and multinational maritime operations with regional partners in the fight against illicit drug trafficking, intercepted three other different vessels through coordinated air and surface operations involving U.S. forces and associated countries.
*Photographs: Brazilian Navy.
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