The Dia da Marinha (Navy Day) in 2006 took place, in the city of Sines, on 20th May. This day celebrates the arrival of Vasco da Gama, by maritime travel, to India. The official cerimony included a demonstration of capabilities by the combat surface units and the Corpo de Fuzileiros (marines). The report was made for the Spanish magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo.
A Vasco da Gama class frigate (Meko 200PN) supports with her organic Super Lynx helicopter the projection of the amphibious force. At second plan, the Berrio, the support ship of the portuguese Navy.
A portuguese marine, armed withe G-3 assault riffle with a 7,62mm caliber. The special operations unit uses the modern G-36K.
The official cerimony. In the official speach, the Chief of Navy Staff, Almirante Melo Gomes, has anounced that the third patrol ship (OPV) of the Viana do Castelo class would be named Sines. This ship is the first of the variant for pollution combat - the Navy will recieved two of these ships and other six of the patrol version. Currently, the first two ships of the classe are being constructed at Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo (ENVC) and will be delivery in 2008.
Former Minister of National Defence, Luís Amado, contacts with the unit of marines that made the demonstration.
A model of the U209PN submarine. In fact, this submarine is a U214. It will be armed with Black Shark heavy torpedos, MN 102 Murena mines and anti-ship missiles - probably the UGM-84 Sub Harpoon. It will have an AIP system that allows a higher range and discreteness. The portuguese navy will recieve in 2010, the first of the two submarines.
The anti-aircraft guns of Baptista Andrade class corvettes.Pedro Monteiro
