From 9-15 August 2015, the Brazil Institute, in cooperation with the Brazilian Navy, organised its first study excursion to Pantanal, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil.

For one week, a group of staff and students from the Brazil Institute and Defence Studies Department, King’s College London were put up by the Brazilian Navy in the 6th Naval District in Ladário, MS, and took part in a variety of activities and outings. 

The main objective of this trip was to further the groups understanding of the work of the Brazilian Navy in this part of the country, and analyse its social role, as well as the historical importance the Navy has played in defending the western borders of Brazil.

At the start of the trip, the group were welcomed by Rear Admiral Petronio, commander of the 6th Naval District, who reinforced the historical importance of the Navy in this part of Brazil, while going into great detail about the Riachuello battle, during the War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870).