NRP Tridente departed October 14 from the Lisbon Naval Base, in Alfeite, to participate in NATO’s Operation Brilliant Shield, which will take place in the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea.
The ceremony was presided over by the Naval Commander, Vice Admiral José Salvado de Figueiredo, and was attended by the Ambassador of Romania, Daniela Gîtman, the Chief of Staff of the Joint Command for Military Operations (CCOM), Major General Manuel da Costa Santos, and the Defense Attaché of Romania, Commander Adrian Stefan Geanta.
In his speech, the Naval Commander thanked the guests for their presence and, addressing the crew of the NRP Tridente, stated that he was certain that “with knowledge, experience, unity and spirit of good service”, the military will “overcome all difficulties with nobility and distinction”, bringing “luster and honor to the Navy and the Portuguese Armed Forces”.
Vice Admiral Salvado de Figueiredo also stated that “success in the mission does not come by chance: it is born of firm will, constant determination and unwavering persistence in achieving each objective set”, ending his speech by wishing everyone an excellent mission.
NATO’s Operation Brilliant Shield comprises a series of land, sea, and air activities in the North Atlantic and Baltic Seas, designed to address the security situation and strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defense capabilities. Before departing on its NATO mission, the NRP Trident will support Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST), which takes place in Plymouth, United Kingdom.
The submarine NRP Tridente has a crew of 38 Portuguese Navy personnel on board and two Romanian Navy officers, as part of bilateral relations between Portugal and Romania.