Given Mexico's large area of water (3,149,920 km2) and extensive coastline (11,122 km), the navy's duties are of great importance. Perhaps its most important on-going missions are the war on drugs and protecting PEMEX's oil wells in Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico. Another important task of the Mexican Navy is to help people in hurricane relief operations and other natural disasters.
History of the Armada
The Mexican Navy has its origins in the creation of the Ministry of War in 1821. From that year until 1939 it existed jointly with the Army in the organic ministry. Since its declaration of independence from Spain in September 1810, through the mid decades of the 19th century, Mexico found itself in a constant state of war, mostly against Spain which had not recognized its independence. Therefore its priority was to purchase its first fleet from the U.S.A. in order to displace the last remaining Spanish forces from its coasts.The Mexican Navy has participated in many naval battles to protect and defend Mexico's interests. Some of the most important battles were:
- Attempts by Spain to reconquer Mexico
- Takeover of the San Juan de Ulúa fort (1821–1825)
- The invasion of Cabo Rojo (1829)
- Battle of Mariel
- An entire Armada was captured at Veracruz
- Yucatán Independence (1841—1848)
- Naval Battle of Campeche
- The Mexican–American War (1846–48)
- The Second French Intervention (1862–1867)
- The Mexican Revolution (1910–1919)
- First Battle of Topolobampo
- Second Battle of Topolobampo
- Third Battle of Topolobampo
- Action of 9 April 1914
- Fourth Battle of Topolobampo
- United States occupation of Veracruz
Organization
The President of Mexico is commander in chief of all military forces. Day-to-day control of the Navy lies with the Navy Secretary, currently Mariano Francisco Saynez Mendoza. The Navy has one General Headquarters, two naval forces, 7 regions, 13 zones, and 14 naval sectors.The Navy is divided into three main forces:
- Fuerza Naval del Golfo y Mar Caribe (Gulf and Caribbean Sea Naval Force)
- Fuerza Naval del Pacífico (Pacific Naval Force)
- Fuerza Aeronaval (Naval Aviation)
Structure
The Mexican Naval Infantry Corps was reorganized in 2007-2009 into 30 Naval Infantry Battalions (Batallones de Infantería de Marina - BIM), a paratroop battalion, a battalion attached to the Presidential Guard Brigade, two Fast Reaction Forces with six battalions each, and three Special Forces groups. The Naval Infantry are responsible for port security, protection of the ten-kilometer coastal fringe, and patrolling major waterways.
Search and Rescue units
In 2008, the Mexican Navy created its new search and rescue system, allocated in strategic ports at Pacific and Gulf of Mexico ports, to provide assistance to any ships which are in jeopardy or at risk due to mechanical failure, weather conditions or life risk to the crew. To provide such support, the Navy has ordered Coast Guard Defender class ships (2 per station, and one 47-Foot Motor Lifeboat coastal guard ships). Other stations will be provided only with Defender class boats .Modernization and budget
The annual Navy's budget is in a 1 to 3 proportion of the national budget relative to the Army & Air Force. For the year 2007, the Army got three billion dollars budget, versus one billion dollars for the Navy. The Navy has a reputation for being a well-run and well-organized outfit. This reputation allows for a close relationship with the U.S. Navy, as evidenced by the procurement of numerous former USN ships.Ships
The Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Francisco Saynez Mendoza , announced on October 1, 2007, detailed plans to upgrade and modernize the country's naval capabilities. On the following day, La Jornada newspaper from Mexico City, disclosed the Mexican Navy plans, which are among others, to build six oceanic patrol vessels (OPV) with length of 86 meters, 1680 tons and each housing a Eurocopter Panther helicopter as well as small high speed interception boats. The budget for this project is above $200 million USD.Another project is to build 12 CB 90 HMN high speed (50 knots) interception boats under license from a Swedish boat company to the Mexican Navy. Also, a number of fully equipped planes for surveillance and maritime patrol are being considered. Combinations of options and development are being defined.
Shipbuilding
The Mexican Navy depends upon their naval shipyards for construction and repairs of their ships. There are 5 shipyards located in the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean:- Gulf of Mexico
- Naval shipyard 1 (ASTIMAR 1) - Tampico, Tamaulipas
- Naval shipyard 3 (ASTIMAR 3) - Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz
- Pacific Ocean
- Naval shipyard 6 (ASTIMAR 6) - Guaymas, Sonora
- Naval shipyard 18 (ASTIMAR 18) - Acapulco, Guerrero
- Naval shipyard 20 (ASTIMAR 20) - Salina Cruz, Oaxaca
Missiles
The Mexican Navy initiated studies to develop and construct its first missile , according to a May 2005 interview with the undersecretary of the Navy, Armando Sanchez, the missile was to have an average range of 12 to 15 kilometers and be able to target enemy ships and aircraft. The undersecretary added that they already had the solid propellant , and the basic design of the missile. All aspects relative to their fuselage were solved as well as the launch platforms. The Mexican Navy was developing the software to direct the missile to its target. In July 2008, the project was reported to be 80% complete. Despite this effort, the missile development was canceled in 2009 due to "problems with the propulsion system".Other ships
The Mexican Navy includes 60 smaller patrol boats and 32 auxiliary ships. It acquired 40 fast military assault crafts, designated CB 90 HMN , between 1999 and 2001 and obtained a production license in 2002 allowing further units to be manufactured in Mexico.For the year 2008 budget, the Mexican Congress approved a $15 million USD funds to build only 17 out of 60 combat boats requested. These ships, designated CB 90 HMN , are to increase its fast boat fleet. Additional budgets will be awarded each passing year. In total, the Mexican Navy has over 189 operational ships.
