The Minister of Defense, Javier García, participated in the commemoration of the 204 years of the National Navy Sea Fleet, this Wednesday 24 in Fray Bentos, together with the local mayor, Omar Lafluf, and Commander Daniel Di Bono. “A very artiguista act and for the first time in the interior of the country”, underlined García, who added that it is a sign of decentralization and the increase in the presence of troops on the coast.
As reported by the Secretary of State, the Command of the Sea Forces is responsible for the care of sovereignty in the waters of Uruguayan jurisdiction, to ensure compliance with national laws and international commitments assumed by the Uruguayan State. It also collaborates in the protection and management of national maritime interests in missions that require security and defense. It also promotes communication in areas of interest to the country.
In addition, since Sunday the 14th in Fray Bentos, some 500 troops from the navies of Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay have participated in the combined exercise Acrux X. One of the objectives of this practice is to raise the training levels of personnel to carry out the control of jurisdictional waters.
In addition, remodeling works began on the Navy property on the Uruguay River to install the new Fray Bentos base, an infrastructure that can accommodate up to 100 troops, which will be used for docking ships, a logistics point and patrol operations. fluvial.
“It is to have a reinforced and permanent presence for security and surveillance on the Uruguay River, to combat drug trafficking and smuggling. It is a sovereign presence guarding the country and its natural resources”, stressed Minister García.
