About this Unit
Comando de Cruzeiros do Atlântico (Com Cru Des Lant) is a Brazilian Navy unit responsible for the command and operational control of cruisers assigned to the Atlantic theater. Established in the mid-20th century, it played a key role in organizing and coordinating naval operations involving Brazil’s cruiser force, particularly during periods of heightened maritime security concerns. Over the decades, Com Cru Des Lant contributed to training exercises, joint operations with allied navies, and the modernization of surface combatant tactics within the Brazilian fleet. Its legacy reflects Brazil’s commitment to maintaining a capable and responsive naval presence in the South Atlantic.
Historical Facts
•
Full Name: Comando de Controle Naval do Tráfego Marítimo (Comando de Controle Naval do Tráfego Marítimo - ComContram), also known as Com CRU DES LANT, is the Command for Destroyer Squadron, Atlantic (Comando do Grupo de Contratorpedeiros, Esquadra do Atlântico) of the Brazilian Navy.
•
Founding: Created in 1947, Com CRU DES LANT was established to unify, organize, and command the destroyer squadrons operating in the Atlantic, reflecting Brazil’s growing naval ambitions after World War II.
•
WWII Roots: The formation of a strong destroyer squadron was influenced by the Brazilian Navy’s active participation in convoy escort missions in the South Atlantic during World War II.
•
Operational Area: Com CRU DES LANT is responsible for Brazilian Navy destroyers and frigates operating in the South and Central Atlantic, protecting Brazilian maritime interests across vast oceanic areas.
•
Fleet Composition: Over the decades, Com CRU DES LANT has operated various ships, including Fletcher-class destroyers, Garcia-class frigates, and modern Niterói-class frigates, reflecting the technological evolution of the Brazilian surface fleet.
•
Humanitarian and Peace Missions: Ships under Com CRU DES LANT have participated in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, such as UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) and disaster relief missions in Haiti.
•
Notable Exercise Participation: The unit regularly takes part in major multinational naval exercises, including UNITAS, Atlasur, and FRATERNO, working alongside navies from the United States, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa.
•
Flagship Role: Com CRU DES LANT typically provides the flagship for many Brazilian fleet operations, often hosting the fleet commander aboard one of its principal vessels.
•
Ship Traditions: Crew members of Com CRU DES LANT vessels maintain traditional naval ceremonies such as the "Crossing the Line" (Equator crossing) and ship commissioning rituals inherited from both Brazilian and broader naval heritage.
•
Modernization Projects: The unit is expected to operate new Tamandaré-class frigates, part of the Brazilian Navy’s modernization plan to enhance its blue-water capabilities and regional power projection.
