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USS Hermitage (LSD 34)

USS HERMITAGE was the seventh THOMASTON - class dock landing ship. Decommissioned on October 2, 1989, the HERMITAGE was leased to Brazil the same day. There, the ship was recommissioned as CEARA. On January 24, 2001, the ship was finally purchased by Brazil.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS HERMITAGE. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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• Click here to see which USS HERMITAGE memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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Accidents aboard USS HERMITAGE:

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USS HERMITAGE Cruise Books:

• Mediterranean Cruise 1963

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About the Ship's Name:

Hermitage is the name of President Andrew Jackson's famed estate just outside of Nashville, Tenn. Acquired by Jackson in 1788, the land was improved with a series of one floor log cabins by 1805. In 1819 Jackson built on the site a two story brick home with one story wings, one of which extended in the rear to form an ell. Hermitage was razed by fire in 1822 but rebuilt and today stands, a national shrine, exactly as it was when Jackson lived there. The seventh President of the United States died at the Hermitage 8 June 1845.

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USS HERMITAGE History:

The keel of USS HERMITAGE was laid by Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation at Pascagoula, Mississippi, on April 11, 1955. She was launched on June 12, 1956, sponsored by Mrs. Alfred M. Pride, wife of Vice Admiral Alfred M. Pride, and commissioned on December 14, 1956, with Captain Leonard A. Parker in command. Following commissioning, USS HERMITAGE conducted shakedown training in the Caribbean. During the shakedown period, she was informally inspected by Admiral Arleigh Burke, then serving as Chief of Naval Operations. After completing initial trials and training, the ship operated from the Norfolk and Little Creek area with the Atlantic Fleet Amphibious Force.

In late August 1957, USS HERMITAGE departed on her first Mediterranean deployment with the Sixth Fleet. The deployment introduced the recently commissioned ship to the forward amphibious mission that would occupy a substantial part of her American career. She participated in exercises with allied forces and visited Sicily, Crete, Turkey, mainland Italy, Greece and Spain. These operations combined amphibious training with the standing requirement to maintain an American naval presence capable of reacting to political or military crises around the Mediterranean. USS HERMITAGE returned to the United States on November 16, 1957.

During 1958 and most of 1959, the ship concentrated on Atlantic and Caribbean amphibious operations. Training during this period reflected the increasing importance of helicopter-supported amphibious warfare. While conventional landing craft continued to carry heavy vehicles and equipment ashore, helicopters provided the ability to insert Marines beyond defended beaches and directly into inland objectives.

A very different assignment began on December 2, 1959. USS HERMITAGE departed with helicopters intended for presidential transportation embarked and proceeded toward Karachi, Pakistan, in support of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's international goodwill tour. The ship crossed the Atlantic, entered the Mediterranean, transited the Suez Canal and continued through the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. The assignment formed part of the logistical support for a major diplomatic journey during which the President visited allied and non-aligned countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. After completing her support mission, USS HERMITAGE began the voyage back to the United States. Her return passage included a visit to Barcelona, Spain, and she arrived home on January 17, 1960.

Much of 1960 was devoted to Atlantic and Caribbean amphibious training. On November 28, USS HERMITAGE departed on another unusual assignment, this time serving as flagship for Rear Admiral A. L. Reed, Commander South Atlantic Force, during a goodwill cruise to South America and Africa. The deployment formed part of an American diplomatic effort to establish and maintain relationships in regions experiencing rapid political change as European colonial rule ended across much of Africa.

The crisis in the newly independent Republic of the Congo altered the ship's planned itinerary. The former Belgian colony had entered a period of severe political and humanitarian instability almost immediately after independence in June 1960, and United Nations forces were attempting to stabilize the situation. On January 19, 1961, USS HERMITAGE was diverted from her goodwill schedule to transport grain for humanitarian relief. USS HERMITAGE reached Matadi on February 1. Her assignment subsequently expanded beyond delivery of supplies. Guinean troops serving with the United Nations force were being withdrawn from the Congo, and personnel began embarking aboard USS HERMITAGE at Matadi on February 2. Marine helicopters associated with the ship assisted the operation. USS HERMITAGE transported the Guinean contingent to Conakry, Guinea, where the troops were disembarked on February 8.

After completing the Congo mission, USS HERMITAGE resumed operations associated with the South Atlantic goodwill deployment. She remained flagship of the force until May 3, 1961, when USS SPIEGEL GROVE (LSD 32) relieved her. USS HERMITAGE returned to Virginia on May 16 and resumed exercises in the Virginia Capes and Caribbean operating areas.

During October 1962, the discovery of Soviet nuclear-capable ballistic missiles in Cuba brought the United States and Soviet Union close to direct military confrontation. President John F. Kennedy ordered a naval quarantine of Cuba while American forces prepared for the possibility that the crisis could escalate into military action ashore. USS HERMITAGE sailed to Guantanamo Bay to transport Marines to the American naval base. The reinforcement strengthened the base at a time when it might have become an immediate target in any conflict involving Cuba. The confrontation eased after the Soviet Union agreed to remove the offensive missiles.

USS HERMITAGE returned to Mediterranean duty in May 1963. During this deployment, she operated with the Sixth Fleet and visited Naples, Athens, Genoa, Cannes, Sardinia, Malta and Rota, Spain, among other Mediterranean locations. The cruise combined amphibious exercises, Marine support, allied training and the standing requirement to remain available for regional contingencies. USS HERMITAGE returned to the United States in October.

In February 1964, USS HERMITAGE was assigned to Caribbean Ready Squadron 12, based in the Panama area. Early in May, she undertook a logistics voyage that included Bermuda and the Canadian ports of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Halifax.

Later that year, USS HERMITAGE participated in Operation Steel Pike I, a major American-Spanish amphibious exercise conducted in southern Spain. The operation involved the transatlantic movement of a large American amphibious force and culminated in extensive landing operations near Huelva during October. USS HERMITAGE operated with an amphibious formation that included USS FRANCIS MARION (APA 249), USS PLYMOUTH ROCK (LSD 29) and USS YANCEY (AKA 93). Her European movements associated with the exercise included Malaga and Gibraltar. USS HERMITAGE remained engaged in the exercise program through late November before returning to the United States.

The political crisis in the Dominican Republic brought American amphibious forces into another contingency operation during 1965. Fighting began in April after an attempt to restore former President Juan Bosch, and the United States intervened under Operation Power Pack. USS HERMITAGE deployed to the Caribbean in June for approximately three months during the later stages of the crisis. She conducted amphibious readiness operations and practice landings at Vieques, Puerto Rico, while American and multinational forces remained involved in the Dominican Republic.

USS HERMITAGE subsequently entered an overhaul that continued into early 1966. The work was completed in February, after which the ship underwent refresher training and amphibious exercises to restore full operational readiness. In May, she transported a Marine battalion to the Caribbean before resuming Atlantic Fleet duties. The operational pattern changed substantially in 1967 when USS HERMITAGE was selected for deployment to Southeast Asia and the Vietnam combat zone. From November 27, 1966, through January 24, 1967, she had served with Caribbean Ready Group 4-66. She returned to Little Creek on January 27 and immediately entered a restricted availability specifically intended to prepare her for the coming Western Pacific deployment. The work continued until March 21.

Captain H. Spencer Matthews Jr. relieved Captain J. E. McCauley as commanding officer on April 14. USS HERMITAGE departed Little Creek on April 25. During the passage south, she embarked ten minesweeping boats at Charleston for transportation to Long Beach, California. On April 30, while approximately 300 miles from Panama, USS HERMITAGE received a distress message reporting that the small pleasure craft BILLY H was sinking. She proceeded to the position, embarked all eight people aboard the vessel and took the disabled craft in tow toward Panama. USS HERMITAGE transited the Panama Canal on May 1 and continued to Long Beach, where the minesweeping boats were unloaded. At San Diego she embarked Marine Air Control Squadron 4 and then proceeded across the Pacific toward South Vietnam.

USS HERMITAGE arrived in the Vietnam operating area in early June. On June 4, she relieved USS POINT DEFIANCE (LSD 31) at sea and joined Amphibious Ready Group Alfa. The group included USS OKINAWA (LPH 3), USS DULUTH (LPD 6), USS HERMITAGE and USS SEMINOLE (AKA 104), together with supporting landing craft, beach-control personnel and an Underwater Demolition Team detachment.

When USS HERMITAGE joined the group, Operation Bear Bite was already underway. Bear Bite had begun on May 29 with an amphibious assault on the northern South Vietnamese coast approximately twenty-one miles north of Hue and nineteen miles south of the demilitarized zone. Battalion Landing Team 1/3 formed the principal Marine landing force. USS HERMITAGE joined the operation during its later phase and served as Primary Control Ship for waterborne assault operations and as an Area Defense Control Ship. Bear Bite ended on June 11. USS HERMITAGE completed her first combat operating period the following day and proceeded to Subic Bay in the Philippines for approximately twelve days of upkeep and crew rest.

USS HERMITAGE departed Subic Bay on June 26 and returned toward South Vietnam. She reached Chu Lai two days later and embarked Marines for the next operation. Operation Bear Claw began on July 3, 1967. Marine forces near Cua Viet and the demilitarized zone were under considerable pressure from North Vietnamese forces, and the Amphibious Ready Group was directed to land reinforcements. USS HERMITAGE again supported the landing force and controlled surface movements associated with the assault. Bear Claw continued until July 17, after which the Marines were recovered by the amphibious ships.

Only a few days later, the group began Operation Beacon Guide. The assault commenced on July 21 in the Phu Loc area south of Hue. USS HERMITAGE continued performing her surface-control and landing-craft support functions while the Marines conducted operations inland. During this period, on July 26, the ship hosted the village chief, officials, teachers and forty-five children from Thon Dong Am. The visitors were shown well-deck operations and received refreshments and entertainment during the visit.

Operation Beacon Gate followed in August. Beginning on August 7, the amphibious force put Marines ashore in the Quang Nam and Quang Tin area. USS HERMITAGE again supported the movement of the landing force from ship to shore while USS OKINAWA and USS DULUTH provided the helicopter and transport capabilities of the Amphibious Ready Group. Following the operation, USS HERMITAGE proceeded to Subic Bay for upkeep and repairs.

At the end of August, the amphibious force moved back toward northern South Vietnam. Operation Beacon Point began on September 1 in Thua Thien Province. The landing took place in the coastal plain north of Hue and used both helicopters and surface landing craft. USS HERMITAGE again performed control functions for the waterborne elements of the operation. Senior officers of the Seventh Fleet amphibious and support organizations observed portions of the operation from the ship.

On September 5, USS HERMITAGE suffered a major engineering casualty when her after engine room flooded completely. The compartment had to be dewatered and cleaned in an effort to preserve machinery and equipment. The casualty removed the ship from immediate combat operations and required extensive repairs. USS HERMITAGE reached Subic Bay on September 10. Her crew worked with personnel from the ship repair facility to restore the damaged engineering plant. The repair period lasted almost a month.

On October 6, USS HERMITAGE departed Subic Bay fully repaired and returned toward Vietnam, this time as a member of Amphibious Ready Group Bravo. She subsequently participated in Operation Formation Leader, which began on October 17. The operation involved Battalion Landing Team 2/3 in an amphibious and helicopter-borne assault in the Phu Loc area of Thua Thien Province. The Marines subsequently conducted patrols and ambushes intended to interfere with enemy movement and supply activity east of Route 1. The principal Formation Leader phase ended on October 24, after which the embarked landing force continued operations ashore under Marine command.

USS HERMITAGE remained with Amphibious Ready Group Bravo until November 8, when she was relieved by another Pacific Fleet dock landing ship. She then proceeded to Hong Kong for five days of liberty. Following the Hong Kong visit she sailed toward Yokosuka, Japan, but altered her movements for approximately two days to avoid a typhoon. USS HERMITAGE reached Yokosuka on November 21 and entered a restricted availability. The ship subsequently departed Yokosuka for the United States. USS HERMITAGE reached Pearl Harbor on December 3, remained only long enough to refuel, and continued toward the Panama Canal. After transiting the canal she proceeded up the Atlantic coast and arrived at Little Creek on December 19, 1967. Her service in Vietnam earned unit recognition and one campaign star for the Vietnam Service Medal.

Following her return from Southeast Asia, USS HERMITAGE resumed Atlantic Fleet duties. The ship remained engaged in the normal cycle of maintenance, inspections, amphibious exercises and Atlantic and Caribbean readiness operations from the Norfolk-Little Creek area.

During 1970, USS HERMITAGE participated in Caribbean operations connected with the annual Operation Springboard training program. Later that year, she deployed to the Mediterranean. She was at Genoa, Italy, on December 31, 1970, and remained there into the new year. USS HERMITAGE departed Genoa on January 6, 1971, and continued Sixth Fleet operations. During January, the amphibious force moved toward the eastern Mediterranean. USS HERMITAGE and USS AUSTIN (LPD 4) proceeded toward Mersin, Turkey, while other elements of the force operated toward Izmir. The deployment combined amphibious training with the standing Sixth Fleet requirement to remain available for contingencies along the Mediterranean's southern and eastern shores.

By October 1974, USS HERMITAGE was assigned to Caribbean Ready Group 2-74. The group included USS SHREVEPORT (LPD 12), USS AUSTIN, USS HERMITAGE and USS FAIRFAX COUNTY (LST 1193), with Battalion Landing Team 3/2 assigned as the embarked Marine force. In late October, the ships and Marines were preparing at Camp Lejeune and Morehead City for deployment toward the Panama Canal Zone. The force maintained an amphibious contingency capability in the Caribbean and Central American region.

USS HERMITAGE continued Caribbean readiness duties into 1975 and later prepared for another Mediterranean deployment. By September, she was serving with Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-75. The group included USS INCHON (LPH 12), USS SHREVEPORT, USS EL PASO (LKA 117), USS HERMITAGE, USS FAIRFAX COUNTY and USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY (LST 1192), carrying the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit. The force participated in Exercise Deep Express 75, a major North Atlantic Treaty Organization exercise involving operations in the eastern Mediterranean and Turkish Thrace. The exercise tested the ability of allied naval and amphibious forces to reinforce the organization's southeastern flank. USS HERMITAGE was photographed at anchor in the Kithira Strait on September 30, 1975, following part of the exercise program.

Early in 1976, USS HERMITAGE was assigned a humanitarian mission following the destructive earthquake that struck Guatemala on February 4. The earthquake killed tens of thousands of people and caused severe damage to roads, buildings and infrastructure. USS HERMITAGE operated with USS BOULDER (LST 1190) and USS FAIRFAX COUNTY in support of American relief efforts. Amphibious shipping transported personnel, construction equipment and humanitarian material toward Guatemala, where United States Army engineers assisted with reconstruction and road repair. USS HERMITAGE subsequently received the Humanitarian Service Medal in connection with the relief operation.

By May, the ship had returned to large-scale amphibious training. USS HERMITAGE participated in Exercise Solid Shield 76 with a substantial Atlantic Fleet amphibious force that included USS IWO JIMA (LPH 2), USS AUSTIN, USS NASHVILLE (LPD 13), USS EL PASO, USS HERMITAGE, USS MANITOWOC (LST 1180), USS BOULDER, USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY, USS LA MOURE COUNTY (LST 1194) and USS HARLAN COUNTY (LST 1196).

Another major exercise followed in September. USS HERMITAGE joined Landing Force Atlantic Group 2-76 together with USS NASHVILLE, USS MANITOWOC and USS FAIRFAX COUNTY. The ships embarked Marine units and sailed from the Morehead City area in early September for Exercise Teamwork 76. Teamwork 76 tested the ability of North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces to reinforce Norway and the alliance's northern flank during a conflict with the Soviet Union. The major amphibious phase took place near Namsos on September 20. USS HERMITAGE supported the movement of Marines and equipment ashore in a cold-weather environment very different from the Caribbean and Mediterranean operating areas where she more commonly served.

In 1977, USS HERMITAGE again deployed to the Mediterranean, this time as part of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 1-77. The group included USS INCHON, USS NASHVILLE, USS HERMITAGE, USS PENSACOLA (LSD 38) and USS MANITOWOC, carrying the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit. By June 29, the ships were dispersed among Italian ports during a liberty period. USS HERMITAGE was at Alassio while other ships of the group visited Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia and San Remo. The force subsequently prepared for Phiblex 7-77 at Capo Teulada, Sardinia. The exercise, conducted during July, practiced amphibious landings, helicopter movement and coordination between the embarked Marines and Sixth Fleet shipping.

USS HERMITAGE remained heavily employed during the later 1970s, alternating Mediterranean deployments with Atlantic and Caribbean operations, maintenance and training. In 1980, USS HERMITAGE participated in Exercise Teamwork 80 in northern European waters. The large North Atlantic Treaty Organization exercise again focused on reinforcement of Norway in the event of a major conflict on the alliance's northern flank. Amphibious forces practiced moving Marines, vehicles and supplies through the difficult Norwegian coastal environment using landing craft, floating causeways and helicopters.

During 1981, USS HERMITAGE returned to Mediterranean duty as part of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 1-81. The force included USS IWO JIMA, USS TRENTON (LPD 14), USS HERMITAGE, USS MANITOWOC and USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY, carrying the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit. The group conducted amphibious training in the eastern Mediterranean, including operations from the Vatika Bay area of Greece.

The political and military situation in the eastern Mediterranean changed dramatically during 1982. Israel invaded Lebanon on June 6 in an operation intended to drive Palestine Liberation Organization forces away from its northern border. Israeli forces advanced toward Beirut, producing a major regional crisis and placing American and other foreign civilians at risk. USS HERMITAGE had departed the United States on May 25 as part of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-82. The amphibious force consisted of USS GUAM (LPH 9), USS NASHVILLE, USS HERMITAGE, USS MANITOWOC and USS SAGINAW (LST 1188), carrying the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit. As fighting intensified around Beirut, the State Department requested Navy assistance in evacuating civilians. USS NASHVILLE and USS HERMITAGE were assigned directly to the evacuation mission. On June 24 and 25, nearly 600 American citizens, permanent residents and people of other nationalities boarded the two ships at Jounieh, north of Beirut. The evacuees were transported to Cyprus.

The evacuation occurred while Israeli forces were tightening their pressure around Beirut and diplomatic negotiations were underway concerning the withdrawal of Palestine Liberation Organization forces. The amphibious ships therefore operated close to an active conflict while remaining outside the fighting itself. USS HERMITAGE remained with the amphibious force in the eastern Mediterranean as the Lebanon crisis continued. On July 1, USS HERMITAGE, USS MANITOWOC and USS SAGINAW were temporarily released from the immediate Beirut operating area and proceeded to Taranto, Italy, for a short maintenance and rest period before returning to the force.

In August, American Marines went ashore in Beirut as part of a multinational force established to oversee the evacuation of Palestine Liberation Organization personnel. The amphibious ships provided the sea-based transport, logistics and command infrastructure supporting the Marine contingent. The Marines withdrew after the initial mission was completed in September but returned later that month following the assassination of Lebanese President-elect Bashir Gemayel and renewed violence in Beirut. Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-82 completed its deployment on November 24, 1982. USS HERMITAGE's work during the Lebanon evacuation was subsequently recognized as humanitarian service.

After the demanding 1982 deployment, USS HERMITAGE spent periods of 1983 in maintenance, training and Atlantic Fleet readiness operations. Another Mediterranean deployment began during the summer of 1984. USS HERMITAGE joined Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 3-84 with USS INCHON, USS SHREVEPORT, USS SUMTER (LST 1181) and USS LA MOURE COUNTY, carrying the 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit. The deployment came only months after American Marines had withdrawn from their permanent positions around Beirut International Airport. The eastern Mediterranean remained politically unstable. USS HERMITAGE operated with the amphibious force during multinational training and Sixth Fleet readiness operations and participated in the exercise cycle that included Display Determination 84. During the deployment, she also made Mediterranean port visits, including Almeria, Spain, during the later part of the cruise. The group returned to the United States in early 1985.

USS HERMITAGE spent much of 1985 preparing for another Mediterranean deployment. On November 21, she sailed with Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 1-86. The force consisted of USS GUADALCANAL (LPH 7), USS PONCE (LPD 15), USS EL PASO, USS HERMITAGE and USS MANITOWOC, carrying the 26th Marine Amphibious Unit. The ships entered Sixth Fleet operational control in December. The deployment took place during a period of heightened tension between the United States and Libya. American naval forces conducted major operations in the central Mediterranean as disputes continued over Libya's territorial claims in the Gulf of Sidra and its alleged support for militant organizations.

The group also participated in Exercise Distant Hammer and other Sixth Fleet training. USS HERMITAGE visited Genoa, Italy, during February 1986 and departed there on February 20. The deployment continued into spring. The amphibious group left Sixth Fleet operational control in May and returned to its East Coast home ports in early June.

USS HERMITAGE continued Atlantic Fleet service after the deployment. On April 29, 1987, she was involved in a collision with USS LA MOURE COUNTY approximately 300 miles off the coast of Georgia while the two ships were practicing a replenishment evolution. USS HERMITAGE sustained a hole approximately five feet in size in her bow stem above the waterline. USS LA MOURE COUNTY suffered comparatively superficial damage along her port side. USS HERMITAGE remained afloat and was able to continue after the incident.

Only days later, the ship was involved in Exercise Solid Shield 87. Photographic documentation places USS HERMITAGE with USS TRENTON at Morehead City on May 2 as naval and Marine forces prepared for the large joint exercise along the southeastern United States coast.

Despite being more than thirty years old, USS HERMITAGE remained available for another extended overseas deployment. On March 1, 1988, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit began a six-month Mediterranean deployment aboard Amphibious Squadron Eight. The amphibious group consisted of USS IWO JIMA, USS PONCE, USS HERMITAGE, USS HARLAN COUNTY and USS EL PASO. The embarked Marine force included Battalion Landing Team 1/8, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 and the supporting logistics element. The group conducted the normal combination of amphibious exercises, contingency readiness and port visits throughout the Mediterranean. Training during the cruise included the exercise cycle associated with Dragon Hammer, together with amphibious operations in western and central Mediterranean waters.

During late spring, the force operated in areas of France, Italy and Sardinia. The group subsequently continued through Mediterranean training areas and ports while maintaining readiness for possible regional contingencies. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment concluded on August 30, 1988.

USS HERMITAGE remained active during 1989 while the Navy prepared to retire the remaining THOMASTON-class ships. Arrangements were simultaneously made for the ship to continue in service with the Brazilian Navy. USS HERMITAGE was decommissioned from the United States Navy on October 2, 1989, ending almost thirty-three years of commissioned American service. She was transferred to Brazil under a lease arrangement that provided for continued operation by the Brazilian Navy. The Brazilian Navy formally incorporated the former USS HERMITAGE on November 28, 1989, as CEARA (G 30), named for the Brazilian state of Ceara.

An important administrative change occurred on January 24, 2001. Until then the former USS HERMITAGE had remained United States property while being operated by Brazil under the lease agreement. On that date, Brazil acquired the ship permanently, and the former USS HERMITAGE was struck from the U.S. Naval Vessel Register. The Brazilian Navy received the formal transfer certificate during February. On March 31, 2016, the Commander of the Brazilian Navy issued the formal order authorizing CEARA's removal from active service. The order entered into effect on April 29, 2016. CEARA was therefore officially decommissioned on April 29 after approximately twenty-six and a half years in Brazilian service and more than fifty-nine years after USS HERMITAGE had originally entered commission.

The decommissioned hull remained in Brazilian custody while disposal arrangements were considered. The Brazilian Navy eventually selected the former CEARA for use as a large surface target during a live-fire weapons exercise. From June 3 through June 10, 2021, Brazilian naval ships and aircraft conducted the weapons exercise in an ocean area between Rio de Janeiro and Cabo Frio. The former CEARA was towed from the Rio de Janeiro Naval Base to the exercise area by PURUS (G 152). Participating Brazilian naval units included GUILLOBEL (K 120), the submarine TUPI (S 30), the multipurpose amphibious ship BAHIA (G 40), and the frigates INDEPENDENCIA and LIBERAL. Naval helicopters and AF-1B/C aircraft also participated. The former CEARA was attacked with several types of live ordnance, including torpedoes, surface-to-surface missiles, aircraft bombs, machine-gun fire and naval gunfire. The accumulated damage caused the former USS HERMITAGE to sink on June 10, 2021, in deep water well away from the Brazilian coast.

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