Rear Admiral Sinclair Harris, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/Commander U.S. 4th Fleet visited the Brazilian submarine BNS Tapajo, June 20 at Naval Station Mayport.
Tapajo was at Naval Station Mayport after completing a sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX) with the USS Truman (CVN-75). The exercise was a scenario based pre-deployment exercise in the Atlantic Ocean that began June 3, and finished June 17.
The 4th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) includes South America, Central America, the Caribbean and surrounding waters. The United States has vital national interest in the region of the, strengthening ties, promoting friendships and increasing interoperability among the naval forces in the Western Hemisphere. Harris talked about this during his visit.
“The Brazilians are a true partner in our Hemisphere, and in the world, this exercise is a great example of the benefits of working together.”
The SUSTAINEX was a pre deployment exercise for Truman battle group. The exercise put the ships together for several coordinated evolutions, including maritime security operations and testing air defense and anti-submarine warfare proficiencies. The exercise also proved very valuable from a command-and-control standpoint. Harris discussed the benefits of having a partner nation participate with the U.S.in these types of evolutions.
“When we get a chance to operate in a exercise like this the SUSTAINEX it is an outstanding venue for training, where Brazil benefits, as well is the U.S.”
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.
[mappress] Press Release, June 21, 2013; Image: Brazilian Navy