By Andrea Hargraves 
Over the centuries, the Navy has always sought the perfect point of balance between two contrasting and unique concepts, namely: tradition and innovation.
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We adore the past, our ancestors and our proud naval traditions, but without fading away in the daily, systematic and methodical search for the most advanced knowledge, necessary for a modern, well-balanced and balanced naval power, in harmony with a state of political and strategic stature. Thus, the past and the future coexist, in desirable harmony and harmony.
In this spirit, we annually celebrate Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) Day in the Navy, in order to remember examples of the past and renew our inspiration – the driving forces for current success and a beacon for future business – praising the essential references and beautiful legacies made by all those who, throughout history, have implemented CT&I activities well. . Of particular note is Admiral Alvaro Alberto; Admiral Octacilio Cunha, former president of the National Commission on Nuclear Energy (CNEN); Admiral Paulo de Castro Moreira da Silva, one of the creators and former president of the Fundação de Estudos do Mar; Commander Renato Archer, Prime Minister of Science and Technology; Commander Euclid Quandt de Oliveira, former Minister of Communications; Among several others.
In connection with Admiral Alvaro Alberto, this outstanding Brazilian sailor, he has practiced teaching for more than three decades, as a professor in the Department of Physical Chemistry at the Naval School. In addition to the positions he held in his naval career, thanks to his professionalism and competence, he was successful as President of the Brazilian Chemical Society; Chairman of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq); one of the creators of CNEN; Brazilian representative to the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission; President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences.
In recognition of his selflessness and legacy, the Navy chose him for its S&I patron; In addition, the first conventional nuclear propulsion submarine (SCPN) will be christened in his name, which has also been approved for the most important ST&I award in Brazil, which, each year, awards researchers and scientists distinguished in their fields of performance.
Recognizing and recognizing that technological knowledge has become, over the years, one of the main factors affecting the distribution of power in the international system, whether to strengthen and improve economic relations, or as an essential tool in the field of defense, by providing strategic advantages in maintaining sovereignty and in the predominance of the interests of its owners , Senior Naval Management has perfected the structure, equipment, and personnel, with an unwavering aim, not only to follow technological developments, but to achieve autonomy, independence and superiority in defense products and solutions.
- In this active context, we also celebrate this important date, recording and highlighting examples of challenges overcome, achievements and indelible milestones recently achieved by sector members:
- In connection with the construction of the Laboratory for Nuclear and Electrical Power Generation (LABGENE), in December 2021 Nuclebrás Equipamentos Pesados SA (NUCLEP) delivered the Block 40 containment vessel, which will house the reactor and the reactor primary circuit. SCPN model on the ground. The installation of the above-mentioned block foundations has been completed, while the construction of the steel structure has progressed significantly on the premises of that company;
- Equipment for Electronic Warfare Support Measures (MAGE) DEFENSOR MK3, developed at the Instituto Pesquisas da Marinha (IPqM) and manufactured by a private company to meet the program of the “Tamandaré” class frigate, its project has been completed, with a high degree of nationalization of its main component, the unit antenna (UA), designed by the same institute;
- Project SONAT, to activate the SONAR EDO 997 system for the “Niteroi” Class Frigates, has been successfully installed on three ships of that class. The project consists of the integrated development of electronics and signal processing software;
- CITRA Tactical Image Console setup, by the Center for Naval Systems Analysis (CASNAV), using the latest technology, allowing increased ability to gain situational awareness in the interiors of Guanabara Bay; And
- The commissioning, also by CASNAV, of the Naval Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Response Surveillance Center System (SISCARE), a project handed over to the Naval Nuclear Safety and Quality Agency (AgNSNQ) to monitor nuclear and radiological activities, initially under the Aramar Experimental Center Experiment (CEA), In Iperó (SP).
Our challenges are still many and complex. However, the Navy, as it has been throughout its history, will know how to overcome it and will continue to contribute to national scientific and technological development.
In this context and in appreciation of Admiral Álvaro Alberto – a figure who has never limited his interest in research, especially those relating to the peaceful field of nuclear energy – on the occasion when we celebrate a relevant date, out of a duty of justice, I thank:
- Ministries of Defense, Health, Mines, Energy, Science, Technology, and Innovation; Army Department of Science and Technology; Department of Aerospace Science and Technology; To the major companies of the Navy’s Nuclear Program (PNM) – Amazônia Azul Tecnologias de Defesa (AMAZUL), NUCLEP and Nuclear Industries of Brazil (INB) – to the Offshore Project Management Corporation (EMGEPRON); ST&I area support foundations; Gym; To the scientific community – which constitutes the concept of the “triple helix”, which propels us towards the common goal of a more prosperous, equitable and secure country for future generations; And
- For the public and sectoral management bodies of the Navy, due to the support and motivation of our Scientific and Technological (ICT) institutions to obtain the best conditions for research and development of products, services and processes, for their use by “the Navy of tomorrow and the future”.
Finally, when I address the brave members of the MB ST&I system, civilian and military, I express my appreciation and gratitude for their exemplary commitment and belief in the mission to break the boundaries of knowledge. I also express my great satisfaction and pride in being under my guidance – I urge you to persevere in overcoming our challenge, and invoke the famous affirmation of the CT&I sponsor of Brazilian Navy: “Scientific and technological development is closely related to the prosperity of the country and the main goal is to invest in human potential.”
Sovereignty through science! Long live the navy!
Petronio Augusto Sequera de Aguerre
Fleet Admiral
General Director