Brazilian Chief of Fleet visits U.S. 4th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam Henderson, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Brazilian Vice Adm. Liseo Zampronio, commander, Brazilian Fleet, visited Rear Adm. George Ballance, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSO/4th Fleet), Nov. 3.

Brazil and the U.S. have a long history of partnership, evidenced through their focus on maritime security, and enhanced through joint exercises and events. Cooperation and training events in the past have included PANAMAX and the UNITAS series of exercises.

"These types of visits give our navies the ability to work together and continue the friendships we have begun with one another," said Ballance. "They also enhance our joint efforts in international cooperation."

During the visit Zampronio and his delegation were able to visit USS Vicksburg (CG 69), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), and South East Regional Maintenance Center, and also had the chance to take a flight aboard a P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Patrol Squadron 45.

"These opportunities for engagements are imperative to our goals of developing relationships with our partner nations, addressing new mutual concerns as they arise, and most of all continuing the joint cooperation between our two navies," added Ballance.

This year, Brazil is hosting UNITAS Atlantic 2015, part of the longest running annual international maritime exercise in the world. The exercise is set to take place Nov. 13-26. SS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS McFaul (DDG 74) and USNS Bighorn (T-AO-198) will be participating in this year's exercise off the coast of Brazil.

"It was very satisfying to plan and execute this key leader engagement," said Mr. Lowell McClintock, theater security cooperation director, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet. "The U.S. and Brazil navies have a long history of working together, and these visits continue strengthening those ties between our nations."

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ 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.