Naval exercise in Veracruz
Elements of the Mexican Navy-Secretariat of the Navy carried out a Level V training exercise in the First Naval Region, based in the port of Veracruz. The activity combined naval, air, amphibious and special operations interventions to evaluate the capacity for coordinated response to maritime and national sovereignty risks.
Two tactical scenarios
The exercise, called “Defense in Depth”, included two scenarios representative of real operations. In the first, a semi-submersible vessel allegedly linked to illicit activities was detected, followed and intercepted. An ocean patrol, a Panther helicopter and an interceptor patrol participated. Marine Corps personnel carried out the boarding using rope techniques and neutralized the alleged offenders.
In the second scenario, the capture of a high-value target was simulated. Hours earlier, combat divers carried out reconnaissance and marking safe areas. Subsequently, Marine Corps troops were inserted into Zodiac boats and used fast rope, rappelling, and low-altitude infiltration parachuting techniques. Direct action allowed the target to be secured and extracted.
During the operation, the target received support from other violators, which were controlled with covering fire from Texan aircraft. The phased integration of capabilities reflected the tripartite division of assault teams, security with amphibious commands and paratrooper support.
The exercise demonstrated effectiveness in detecting, identifying and neutralizing threats from offshore through successive layers of surveillance, presence and intervention.
