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BRAZIL- Brazil joined the submarine powers in 1913, when it bought its first three submarines, F-1 Class, from Laurenti-Fiat, La Spezia. Brazil attempted to display her fleet when she joined the Allied forces in October of 1918, but it proved to be too late for her small fleet to play a role in World War I. In 1927, Humaita was bought from Italy and was the only operational boat from 1933-1938. In 1938 Italy sold three Tupi Class boats to Brazil. These boats operated locally during WWII but again saw no action even though Brazil was on the Allies side. In 1958 the U.S. Navy transferred two Gato Class subs to the Marinha, followed shortly by the transfer of two Balao Class subs in 1963. They were replaced by five Guppy IIs and two Guppy IIIs around 1972. This fleet was eventually complemented by three new Oberon Class subs from England between 1973 and 1977. Brazil ordered from Germany the 209 Class, Type 1400 subs in 1982. This the birth of the Tupi class which include the Tupi, Tamoio, and four more being built. The Guppys are no longer on the active lists.
The badge is a representation of the 1913 Fiat Type F submarine. It is worn by both officers and enlisted personnel on the left breast. This is the only authorized version of the badge. |
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