Brazilian Navy Submarine BNS Tikuna Visits Naval Station Norfolk

The Brazilian navy submarine BNS Tikuna (S-34) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk for a routine port visit, June 7.

The 11-day visit is in conjunction with the submarine’s 2012 deployment to the U.S. East Coast and is part of a bilateral submarine exercise cooperation initiative between the United States and Brazil’s submarine forces.

“This exercise helps us very much,” said Brazilian navy Capt. Pires Martins, BNS Tikuna commanding officer. “The construction of the events had us use this weekend for training purposes to see where we need to improve.”

According to Capt. Eugene P. Sievers, commander, Submarine Squadron 6, the exercise not only helps Brazil’s navy, it also benefits the U.S. Navy.

“The rest of the world typically is highly proficient with diesel submarines,” said Sievers. “While we can simulate that with our own forces, it is just not the same as having professional mariners skilled with the diesel submarine. The reason why this partnership is important to us is to impress upon our Sailors and antisubmarine warfare (ASW) community just exactly how challenging the threat is.”

Tikuna is an indigenous built 209/1400 diesel-electric submarine with a crew of 43.

Tikuna’s deployment marks Brazil’s fourth submarine deployment under the initiative. The submarine is expected to operate in theater for approximately 100 days and will participate in fleet ASW exercises.

“Having the Brazilians here demonstrating their capabilities to our forces absolutely makes us much more prepared to deploy to the rest of the world,” said Sievers.

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Naval Today Staff , June 8, 2012; Image: Naval Photos