Employees joined guests from the Brazilian Navy and UK Royal Navy, to watch as members of the ship’s company raised the ensign for the first time, formally marking the handover of the Brazilian Navy’s newest vessel.

Mick Ord, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships business, said: “We are extremely proud to deliver Araguari. She is a highly capable ship, and with her sister ships, will be a great asset to the Brazilian Navy.

“We have written a new chapter in BAE Systems’ relationship with Brazil with the completion of the Amazonas class of ships.  We look forward to continued partnership with the Brazilian Navy for many years to come.”

Vice Admiral Francisco Deiana, the Brazilian Navy’s Director of Naval Engineering, said: “The three Amazonas class units make up an important contribution to both our ability to provide security, safety and protection to the Brazil’s Jurisdictional Waters and to deliver our commitments to the Brazilian Maritime Authority.

He went on to say: “Araguari, the third and last vessel, together with her sisters are no doubt a very important asset to the Brazilian Navy’s inventory and is a clear indication of a very good relationship that has been developed between the Brazilian Navy and BAE Systems.”

First of the class, Amazonas, was handed over to the Brazilian Navy in June 2012. The second ship, APA, was completed in November of last year.

During the preparation of the three ships, Portsmouth has hosted 250 Brazilian crew members as they underwent extensive training and preparation to take ownership of the new ships.

The Ocean Patrol Vessels will provide Brazil with enhanced maritime capability. With a 30mm cannon and two 25mm guns, as well as two rigid inflatable boats and a helicopter flight deck capable of landing a medium-sized helicopter, the ships are ideal for performing maritime security in Brazil’s territorial waters, including the protection of the country’s offshore oil and gas reserves. The vessels accommodate a crew of 80, with additional accommodation for 40 embarked troops or passengers and ample deck space for container storage.

The three ship contract, announced in January 2012, also includes a manufacturing licence to enable further vessels of the same class to be constructed in Brazil, helping to support the country’s naval re-equipment programme and strengthen its maritime industrial capability.

 

Press Release, June 21, 2013; Image: BAE Systems

Eighty-five naval officers graduated initial training today during a formal passing out parade for New Entry Officer Course 48 at the Royal Australian Naval College, HMASCreswell.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN, reviewed the parade, which was the culmination of 20 weeks’ training in leadership, communication and naval disciplines.

The 20 women and 65 men shared the centuries-old Naval ceremony with friends and family, marking their achievements so far, before proceeding to specialist training.

Commanding Officer of Creswell, Captain Brett Chandler, Navy’s head of initial training for officers and sailors said the biannual parade was a tradition but more importantly a step towards Navy’s future.

“This is a significant day for the individuals and Navy—the men and women graduating today will go on to serve in roles as professional mariners, aviators, engineers, logisticians and dentists.

“The skills they have learnt at Creswell will serve them well, as they in turn serve as officers in the Royal Australian Navy.”

HMAS Creswell, situated on the shores of Jervis Bay, was first utilised for naval officer training almost a century ago and conducts initial training for reserve and full-time officers, and ongoing professional development for officers and Senior Sailors.

Midshipman Timothy Bell, a member of the graduating class, said that the training had many challenges, and he was looking forward to his future career.

“I can’t wait to get out into the fleet and put all my training into practice”, he said.

Navy’s New Entry Officers’ Courses are run twice annually, training up to 200 officers.

 

Press Release, June 21, 2013; Image: Australian Navy