Brazilian naval vessels prepare to depart after brief sojourn

Members of the Coast Guard welcomed two Brazilian naval vessels that docked here three days ago.  The Brazilians are on a tour of the Caribbean which they say will give their crew members the requisite experience and training.

From left: Lt. Col. Costeira, Col. Lauria (Brazilian Defence Attaché in Guyana), Task Group Commander, and Lt. Simoes

The two ships, NPa Bocaina (P-62) captained by Lieutenant Colonel Costeira and NPa Guaiba captained by Lieutenant Simoes are scheduled to leave today. They will be making their next stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico, then move on to St Georges, Grenada, and other ports set out in their packed programme.
NPa Bocaina is manned by 47 members while NPa Guaiba is operated by a crew of 37. The ships were described as war vessels that can perform a number of functions. The crew on their brief sojourn spoke with members of the GDF Coast Guard in relation to work tactics, and methods.
According to Army Colonel Lauria, who is stationed here in Guyana and works on behalf of the Brazilian Embassy as Defence Attaché, the ship and its members will be embarking on programmes to further strengthen the relationship already established with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as well as coastal servicemen of other countries.
The Task Group Commander supervising the mission said that the aim of the project is to validate relations with the nations in which they dock. The Brazilian army man, speaking specifically about relations with Guyana, said that it is realized that the two countries have common interests in relation to forests, and other natural resources. He said that the visit to this country is another mode of becoming better acquainted.
He also highlighted the advantages of working together to improve readiness, preparedness and skills in relation to search-and-rescue and other naval functions.

NPa Bocaina - one of the two ships that docked at the GDF Coast Guard wharf

The foreign crewmen said that they are looking forward to working closely with Guyana in future joint exercises.