Centered around the Sao Pedro de Aldeia Naval Air Base (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), the Brazilian Marine Corps successfully concluded an aerial assault exercise aimed at enhancing their operational capacity and response times.
During the exercise, the Brazilian Marine Corps’ Air Combat Battalion participated in an expert exchange with U.S. Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps Air Control Squadron 28, part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, from April 29th to May 2nd. While the Marines did not actively participate in the exercise, their role as observers included assessing the exercise and exchanging information on how similar operations are conducted in the U.S.
Throughout the exercise days, Joint Attack Control maneuvers, establishment and operation of an Air Operations Base, air defense, air traffic control, casualty evacuation, supply, maintenance, firefighting, and Tactical Personnel and Aircraft Rescue simulation were conducted. Particularly, the aviation exercise simulated various scenarios, including air-to-air combat, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance missions.
In this regard, Captain Lucas Ângelo Rocha, commander of the Air Combat Battalion, stated, “In addition to practicing our air operations, our main goal was to get our Marines to work better together within the unit.” From the U.S. delegation, Lieutenant Colonel Justin Hunter, commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, MAG 28, 2nd MAW, remarked, “We came here not only to share information but also to learn from the Brazilian Marines,” adding that “The relationships we have fostered are even more important than the knowledge gained.”
*Image credits: U.S. Department of Defense
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