Brazilian Navy Ship Visits Baltimore Harbor

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A little bit of Brazil in Baltimore. A crew of more than 400 Brazilian Navy men and women are visiting Charm City this week. For most of them, it's their first time visiting the United States.

The crew hosting a banquet for special guests of Thursday night, but WJZ got a sneak-peak of the ship.

Celebrating it's 30th anniversary, the N.E. Brasil embarks on an international training cruise. The nearly five month voyage, includes a visit to Baltimore.  Commanding Officer Jose Canela is captaining the Brazilian Navy vessel.

"I stayed here in 1992 as a midshipman, and it's the same training cruise. It is my second time in Baltimore," said Jose Canela, Commanding Officer, captaining the ship.

As part of it's visiting ship program, they're teaching the public about maritime history and heritage.

"Having a ship from South America, particularly from Brazil is really interesting to us here int he U.S. Especially since we just had the Olympics in Brazil," said Aura Stevenson, Executive Director, Sail Baltimore.

The main focus of the ship is practical training. It even has an combat operation center like the ones used in battle.

The cruise includes training in the classroom, as well as hands-on vessel operation.

With a crew of 450 people on-board, 200 of them are midshipmen, most of them have never left their native country.

"I have high expectations for America. I'm even planning to go to the Disney World," said  Vinicius Melo, midshipman.

Crew members get a chance to explore American culture without losing sight of their mission.

"I'm really proud to represent my country in America because it's one of our greatest allies and it means a lot to my country," said Melo.

Some of the midshipman want to do some shopping before they leave the States. The ship will stop in Florida next, before heading back to Brazil.

The N.E. Brasil will be at the Inner Harbor through Monday. But this weekend, tours are free and open to the public.

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