Naval War College holds regional alumni symposium in Brazil

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) held its 11th Regional Alumni Symposium (RAS) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 12-14, 2015. 

The event was co-sponsored by the Brazilian Naval War College – Escola de Guerra Naval – and held on its campus at the foot of the Sugarloaf Mountain. 

Over 400 personnel, both military and civilian, from 17 countries within the Western Hemisphere attended the event.

The symposium explored a wide range of topics in political-military affairs under the overarching theme of “Strengthening Maritime Partnerships.” 

Adm. Eduardo Bacellar Leal Ferreira, commander of the Brazilian navy, presented a keynote speech titled, “Protecting the Blue Amazon,” that discussed the roles, missions and future intentions of the Brazilian navy. 

Former Brazilian Minister of Defense Ambassador Celso Amorim provided remarks regarding Brazil’s "Grand Strategy and Seapower in a Changing World." 

Faculty members from both the NWC and the Escola de Guerra Naval, as well as some of the region’s naval commanders, addressed issues on naval strategy, maritime cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and anti-access/area denial challenges.

Alumni of the NWC attending the symposium included three heads of navy and several dozen other flag officers from around the region. 

The symposium promoted interactions among old classmates and provided the opportunity for new friendships. Attendees shared thoughts, insights and experiences in order to strengthen relationships and deepen trust among partner nations’ navies. 

Faculty and students from the Escola de Guerra Naval attended all academic events and made significant contributions to the quality of the symposium.

Rear Adm. P. Gardner Howe III, president of the NWC, stressed the value of friendships that are nurtured by RAS. 

“Understanding and trust, the foundation of international maritime cooperation, takes time and effort to develop,” said Howe. “No single navy can meet the new, non-traditional maritime security challenges of today. Events like this symposium bring the top naval officers of the region together and make future cooperation possible.”

Rear Adm. Antonio Fernando Garcez Faria, director of the Escola de Guerra Naval, highlighted that it was a great pleasure for the Brazilian navy to co-host this RAS. 

“The advantages of hosting events like this go far beyond than just the academic discussions and knowledge exchange, as it offers an opportunity to foster confidence and trust among the 17 regional navies that were able to send representatives to Rio de Janeiro, renewing existing friendships and promoting new partnerships among navies and coast guards that will strengthen maritime safety and security in the region and around the globe,” said Garcez Faria.