USA (Washington Insider Magazine)— The US aircraft carrier USS Washington arrived in Rio de Janeiro last Monday, May 20, to celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations with Brazil as part of Operation Southern Seas 2024, nine years after its last visit in 2015. This is intended to underline the USA’s commitment to the region. It is also a testament to the relationship between the two nations, which has remained strong over time.
Participation of Southern Command Commander
Laura Richardson, Commander of the Naval Forces of the Southern Command, will participate in a panel on the integration of women in peace, defense, and security missions. This event will be held in São Paulo and will focus on the inclusion and diversity of female personnel in global security efforts.
Joint Exercises and Training
According to Perfil, Richardson will oversee various scheduled exercises aboard the USS Washington, involving members of the Brazilian Navy. These activities are part of the international team’s engagement to strengthen bilateral military cooperation. The USS Washington, named after the United States’ first president, exemplifies the robust relationships between the two navies.
Southern Seas International Deployment
The visit is a component of the broader Southern Seas international deployment, which includes interactions and combined activities with naval forces from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay. These exchanges with South American nations are designed to enhance regional naval cooperation and solidify relationships.
Significance of the Exercises
The US Navy emphasized the importance of these exercises, noting that this is the first time international officers have joined the crew of a US ship on such a scale outside NATO operations. This initiative aims to strengthen the Southern Command’s relationship with South American countries.
Upcoming Exercises with the Argentine Navy
On May 29 and 30, the USS Washington will conduct PASSEX exercises with the Argentine Navy, involving naval aircraft units, a MEKO 360 destroyer, a MEKO 140 corvette, and an OPV87 ocean patrol vessel. These exercises are expected to enhance interoperability and joint operational capabilities.
Public Engagement and Air Power Demonstrations
As part of the commemoration, the USS Washington, the largest ship in the US fleet at 332.9 meters in length, collaborated with Embarked Air Group 7 (CVW-7) and Brazilian Navy aircraft. Their air power and air defense exercises captivated and astonished thousands of spectators.
This visit underscores the enduring diplomatic and military relationship between the United States and Brazil, celebrating two centuries of cooperation and shared commitment to regional security.
