U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT) is hosting the Brazilian navy training frigate during a three-day port visit to Mayport as part of a deployment designed to train Brazilian midshipmen, Nov 10.

Niteri-class training frigate Brasil (U27) has approximately 450 personnel aboard and 200 are midshipmen from the Brasilian naval and merchant marine academies. They embarked on a midshipmen training cruise (MTC) of nearly five months, making port calls in 15 countries, including a visit Naval Station Mayport. Upon completion of the MTC, the midshipmen will receive their commission as ensigns and will serve aboard ships and other military organizations in Brazil.

"Probably the most important thing that I have learned since becoming a midshipman is understanding how to work together," said Brazilian Midshipman Vinicius Melo. "Not just with other Brazilians in the military, but with our partners around the world. It takes everyone working together, as a team, helping one another to make sure we have a positive impact."

While in Mayport, Brazilian sailors and midshipmen will have the opportunity to tour USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT headquarters and participate in a reception held aboard Brasil.

"I am excited to be in Florida," said Brazilian Midshipman Felipe Tarle. "My expectations are pretty high because of some television shows I have watched. I just got off the boat and haven't been able to see much, but so far the weather is nice and I am looking forward to visiting the beaches around here."

The U.S. and Brazilian navies have participated in several different exercises together in the last year, the most recent being PANAMAX, which concluded its 13th iteration of the exercise earlier this year.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central, and South American regions.

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For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.