The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and BNS Brasil (U 27) executed a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the Pacific Ocean, December 15, 2020.
Brasil is a Brazilian training frigate with a crew size of approximately 450 personnel currently on their annual midshipmen-training cruise (MTC). Upon completion of the MTC, the midshipmen will receive their commission as officers and will serve aboard ships and other military organizations in Brazil.
The PASSEX provided readiness-strengthening opportunities for U.S. and Brazilian forces and allowed for valuable ship handling training for William P. Lawrence and the soon-to-be commissioned officers aboard Brasil.
“Working with our Brazilian partners is always a valuable experience,” said U.S. Navy Commander Dawn Allen, commanding officer of William P. Lawrence. “Planning and executing maritime training strengthens our tactical readiness and practices operational command and control.”
The PASSEX gave each ship the opportunity to participate in a series of eight planned coordinated division tactical maneuvers.
This was the second time William P. Lawrence and Brasil have operated together in the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of operations, conducting a similar PASSEX on October 28, 2020.
USS William P. Lawrence is deployed to the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes countering illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations 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 region.