Continuing the coverage of the ACRUX XI Exercise on the Paraná River, Zona Militar reports on the activities conducted by the navies of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, with Paraguay participating as an observer. In addition to the intense exercises carried out by the Fluvial Task Force, supported by assets from the Argentine Naval Aviation and the Uruguayan National Navy, yesterday’s operations emphasized the actions of the Marine Infantry units from the respective forces.
When consulting the directors of the ACRUX XI exercise regarding the planning for yesterday, July 18, they stated, “… this morning a combined action was carried out with the navies of Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina (…) involving a rehearsal of a riverine incursion operation, in which the assets of both navies performed the rehearsal against a terrestrial objective.”
It is important to highlight that, in addition to the respective ships and boats from the Argentine, Brazilian, and Uruguayan navies, the forces have dedicated personnel and assets from their Marine Infantry units to the ACRUX XI Exercise. For Argentina, these are represented by the Marine Infantry Battalion No. 3 “Admiral Eleazar Videla,” under the command of Navy Captain Hernán Osvaldo Rubio.
As previously indicated by the Commander of BIM 3, the Marine Infantry’s role includes “… performing reconnaissance and exploration of the Fluvial Task Force’s anchorage points, as well as establishing listening and defense points to provide protection against a hypothetical enemy attack, considering the vulnerability of the ships due to their proximity to the riverbank.”
Continuing with yesterday’s activities, the Marine Infantry units, operating from Guardian boats and other vessels, executed a security deployment for the Fluvial Task Force ships, positioning themselves along the riverbanks as the ships advanced toward designated anchorage points.
Subsequently, BIM 3, through its “Golf” rifle company, carried out a series of actions to secure three objectives on land (Alfa, Bravo, and Charly) and establish their subsequent defense. Meanwhile, the Brazilian and Uruguayan Marine Infantry units secured points Delta and Echo during the night, which included an airfield that needed to be captured and secured.
Activity in Riverine Operations:
The ACRUX XI Exercise in the words of its director, Commodore Daniel Francisco Finardi, Commander of the Fluvial Naval Area of the Argentine Navy:
During the combined activities, Zona Militar had the opportunity to speak with Commodore Daniel Francisco Finardi, Commander of the Fluvial Naval Area of the Argentine Navy and Director of the ACRUX XI Exercise, during a press conference.
First, the realization of this new edition of the ACRUX exercise between the navies of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay was highlighted. This exercise has over twenty years of history since its first edition in 1999, “… and it is executed biennially, changing the direction and venue of the exercise among the navies of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.”
“In its eleventh edition, we can say that it is more relevant than ever. It is an exercise that strengthens the bonds of friendship and fraternity that exist between Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay. And this year, it materializes with very significant participation…” emphasized the Commander of the Fluvial Naval Area.
Regarding the deployment of assets and personnel, he mentioned that there are eleven surface assets, four fixed-wing aircraft, one helicopter, three marine infantry companies, tactical divers, and a military observer, involving approximately 550 personnel. As riverine operations demand, it requires great cooperation and coordination among the involved forces.
“… Operating in the riverine environment, where spaces are very narrow, waters are restricted, and the risks are significant. Therefore, it requires thorough preparation and prior coordination to execute activities with maximum realism but at the same time with great safety…,” stressed Commodore Finardi.
Coverage and photographs for Zona Militar: Alejo Sanchez Piccat.
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