Portuguese Army's Day 2023
Between the 24th and 29th of October 2023, the Army Day Celebrations took place in the city of Viana do Castelo.
During these days it was possible to visit the various static displays, watch operational demonstrations and the Military Ceremony. On the 28th and 29th, the Portuguese Army provided military and photography enthusiasts, amateurs and professionals, with the opportunity to participate in Spotters Days. Here is the report made from that perspective.
The static displays were spread between the Viana do Castelo Cultural Center and Jardim da Marina. At the Cultural Center, it was possible to see the equipment and weapons used by various forces of the Portuguese Army, the Raven mini-UAV system, the TOW anti-tank system, among others.
At Parque da Marina, it was possible to see and visit various land assets that make up the Army's motorized component, such as the Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tank, several versions of the Pandur II 8x8 APC, the light armored tactical vehicle URO Vamtac ST5, the light reconnaissance vehicles Panhard M11 and the two support and emergency vehicles URO Vamtac EMER and Ambulance.
On the 28th it was possible to watch an operational demonstration by the Special Operations Group, where they rescue a hostage who is in the hands of a hostile force. They are deployed by fast-rope from an EH-101 Merlin from the 751 Squadron, while two shooters were on board an AW119k from the 552 Squadron ensuring top-cover of the forces on the ground. After ensuring the security of the HVT and responding to a counterattack, the forces are withdrawn by URO Vamtac SOF, quad bike Polaris TP1 SOF and Polaris TP4 SOF
On the 29th there was the Military Ceremony where several high entities and the Minister of National Defense, Helena Carreiras, were present. Congratulatory speeches were given to the Army and the Men and Women who serve in it, decorations were awarded to various soldiers, civil entities and former combatants for various achievements and at the end the Army paraded with on foot and motorized Forces, with around 1200 military personnel and 170 vehicles.
After the Military Ceremony, the soldiers that will be part of the 4ª Força Nacional Destacada that are going to be stationed in Romania, belonging to CAt/Mec, carried out an operational demonstration, simulating a response to an ambush:
After an attack on one of the Pandur II 8x8 ICV armored vehicles, the soldiers inside leave, creating a security perimeter and launching smoke grenades, in order to create cover for the affected vehicle. The remaining Pandur II in the column move to flanking positions, in order to surround the hostile forces while their teams advance on the position, eliminating the shooters. After ensuring the safety conditions of the location, the teams regroup and board the vehicles again, continuing with their mission.
At the end of October 29th, the Lowering Ceremony of the National Flag, the Flag of the city of Viana do Castelo and the Army took place, thus marking the end of the 2023 Army Day Celebrations, in Viana do Castelo.
I would also like to mention the Army's gift to the city of Viana do Castelo in recognition for hosting the celebrations of the Army Day 2023, which was the “Coração de Viana”. The work as an iconic symbol of the City, was made by Professor Luís Miguel de Morais, professor at the Army 's Instituto dos Pupilos.
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