Brazilian Sub Visits Mayport on First Deployment to U.S.

Brazilian Navy submarine Tikuna (S 34) enters Mayport Basin during its first visit to a U.S. Navy base, sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO). NAVSO sponsors foreign military visits to promote relations with partner nations in Latin America to support Theater Security Cooperation. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly Boynton

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Holly Boynton, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

Brazilian submarine Tikuna (S 34) visited Mayport during its first deployment to a foreign country Aug. 3-13. Tikuna, homeported at Base Almirante Castro e Silva, Mocangue Island, near Rio de Janeiro, deployed from Brazil on May 27 to participate in several training exercises. Units from Canada, England, France and Peru worked together with Tikuna and the U.S. Navy to train in anti-submarine warfare. Tikuna participated in the following exercises: Composite Training Unit Exercise; Antisubmarine Warfare Exercise; and joint-service Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, which included Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Groups, along with British carrier HMS Illustrious (R06).

“Tikuna and the Brazilian Navy continue to be invaluable maritime partners in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility,” said Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr. “Having the submarine and its crew visit Mayport and the Jacksonville area in between training events are great for everyone involved. We get a chance to see this state-of-the art submarine and meet the crew, and they are able to enjoy our great community. This strengthens an already strong relationship.” During their port visit, Tikuna’s crew participated in a variety of events, including several soccer games and a visit to USS The Sullivans (DDG 68). Brazilian Navy Cmdr. Marco Malschitzky, NAVSO Brazilian Navy foreign liaison officer, joined Tikuna’s crew during their visit.

“It was a great opportunity to integrate both crews and talk with the host ship’s crew members,” said Malschitzky. Only two years old, Tikuna is the newest addition to the Brazilian submarine fleet and the fourth submarine built in Brazil. Tikuna proudly displays a commissioning plaque, which states “Built in Brazil, by Brazilians.” Tikuna will return to Brazil in October after a port visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Also while in Mayport, Tikuna garnered media attention from its home country. Carlos Lima, a freelance reporter, visited the submarine and its crew for an article in the Brazilian Web magazine "Base Militar." A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Lima stated his pride for his country’s navy, and especially Tikuna.