[MilCom] Venezuelan Navy Exercise-Update

[Rapbep at aol.com]

All,

Here's what I found on the web about the current, on-going exercise:

The Venezuelan Navy (Armada) is mounting battle simulation exercises 
supposedly for the first time in its history. 

Although the Navy and other branches of the Venezuelan Armed Force (FAN) 
annually take part in joint exercises with the Armed Forces of other countries 
such as the USA, it has never organized one of its own. 

The exercise will be commanded from Puerto Cabello between December 5-12 and 
will go by the code name "Operation Liberating Armada." 

Central Naval Zone chief, Rear Admiral (LH) Francisco Ugarte Acosta says the 
Air Force (FAV) will take part in joint attack and interception exercises and 
together with the Army there will be firing practices off Orchila island. The 
island of La Orchila is located approximately 50 km. east of the Los Roques 
archipelago and 160 km. northwest of Caracas. Its geographical coordinates are 
approximately: 11° 47' to 11° 55' North latitude, and 66° 05' to 66° 12' West 
longitude.  

2 navy frigates are taking part along with a transport ship, 4 patrol boats 
ands 4 helicopters. Naval War School director, Rear Admiral Gerardo Casanas 
Arroyo reports that each one of the navy commands will plan the exercises as a 
part of a new policy of unifying military actions. 

The British Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond is currently visiting La Guaira 
on an narcotics control exchange program.   Officers have been exchanging 
experiences with Naval Coast-guard units regarding drug-running and smuggling in 
Caribbean waters.  Captain (Cdr.) Mike McCartain is in command of Richmond.

In addition to the freqs I posted earlier I found a new one today: 22245.0 
LSB

RON(Rapbep at aol.com)
Utility Station Monitoring
Maryland, USA