The completion of the PASSEX Exercise “Gringo-Gaucho II” carried out by the Navies of Argentina and the United States showcases the deployment of resources and personnel by both naval forces. For the Argentine Fleet, this is particularly significant as such a large deployment of ships and personnel has rarely been seen in recent years. The achievement is notable given the force’s budgetary constraints, which are compensated for by the dedication, selflessness, professionalism, and patriotism of the men and women who make up the brave ranks of the navy. Below, we will provide a brief overview through a gallery of exclusive images captured by Zona Militar, thanks to the presence of a team that observed the combined exercise from the destroyer ARA Sarandí.
In total, the Argentine Navy deployed seven ships from the Fleet. Specifically, two MEKO 360 destroyers, two MEKO 140 corvettes, and three OPV87/90 class ocean patrol vessels. The Aviation Command also highlighted the participation of a Fennec helicopter, two Sea Kings, and a Beechcraft B-200 aircraft.
Destroyer Division:
- ARA La Argentina (D-11)
- ARA Sarandí (D-13)
Corvette Division:
- ARA Espora (P-41)
- ARA Rosales (P-42)
Maritime Patrol Division:
- ARA Contraalmirante Cordero (P-54)
- ARA Piedrabuena (P-53)
- ARA Almirante Storni (P-52)
Naval Aviation Command:
United States Navy:
The representation from the United States Navy was led by the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, along with its escorts, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Porter and the logistic support ship USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189). The participation of their embarked air assets was highlighted, including fifth-generation F-35C Lightning II fighters from squadron VFA-147 “Argonauts,” F-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters from squadron VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers,” E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft assigned to squadron VAW-116 “Sun Kings,” EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft from squadron VAQ-140 “Patriots,” MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters from squadron HSM-46 “Grandmasters,” and MH-60S helicopters from HSC-5 “Nightdippers.”
Acknowledgments: Argentine Navy, the crew of the ARA Sarandí and the crew of the ARA Contraalmirante Cordero.
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