Joint exercises

In September 2008, the Russian Navy's nuclear-powered missile cruiser Pyotr Velikiy, accompanied by three other ships of Russia's Northern Fleet, sailed from its base in Severomorsk on a cruise to the Caribbean Sea for a joint exercise with the Venezuelan Navy. This action represented the first major Russian power projection in that region since the end of the Cold War.^[7][8] The fleet of ships, headed by the nuclear-powered Pyotr Velikiy, set off from its base at Severomorsk in the Arctic on 22 September. Russian Navy spokesman Igor Dygalo told the AFP news agency, "It's the nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser Peter the Great, the anti-submarine warship Admiral Chebanenko and other accompanying ships". The other ships included a tug boat and supply ships.^[9]

Crisis in Venezuela

During a 2019 crisis in Venezuela, the Venezuelan Navy became engaged in the conflict when it began to prevent the entry of humanitarian aid into the country.^[10] A ship departing from Puerto Rico attempted to ship aid into the Venezuelan port city of Puerto Cabello.^[10] Six vessels of the Venezuelan Navy, including the Mariscal Sucre-class frigate Almirante Brion and patrol boats, were deployed to prevent the entry of the aid shipment.^[11] The ship, carrying civilians, returned to Puerto Rico after the Venezuelan Navy threatened to "open fire" on the humanitarian ship.^[10] Governor of Puerto Rico Ricardo Rossello, who ordered the return of the ship, stated that the act by the Venezuelan Navy was "unacceptable and shameful" and that Puerto Rico "notified our partners in the U.S. government about this serious incident".^[12]

On 30 March 2020, the Venezuelan patrol boat Naiguatá sank after a collision with the polar ice class cruise liner RCGS Resolute, while in international waters.^[13][14] According to RCGS Resolute's owner, the Coast Guard ship had fired shots^[14] and ordered the cruise ship to follow it to Margarita Island, a Venezuelan harbour.^[15] Naiguatá sank following the collision, with RCGS Resolute informing the international Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) of the incident and offering assistance. After staying in the area for an hour, RCGS Resolute was informed through MRCC that assistance was not required as Naiguatá's crew had been rescued by the Venezuelan Navy.^[16] According to the Portuguese after-incident investigation, RCGS Resolute had departed Buenos Aires on 5 March and sailed to the Caribbean Sea. She was contacted by Venezuelan patrol boat Naiguatá on the night of 30 March. Two hours later, an unexpected change in Naiguatá's heading just before the collision may have been caused by a suction effect between the vessels as the faster patrol boat passed the bow of the cruise ship. Although the collision may have not been intentional ramming, the conclusion was nonetheless that the incident that led to the sinking of Naiguatá was a deliberate act initiated by the Venezuelan Navy rather than an accidental occurrence.^[17]

Naval Operations Command

The Naval Operations Command is commanded by the Chief of Naval Operations. In 2014, this was Vice Admiral Antonio Díaz Clemente.^[19] This command is aimed towards the defense of the territorial maritime and inland waters and the coastline of the nation, and by extension into its ground and air territories.

Light frigates

Venezuelan frigates General Salóm (foreground) and Mariscal Sucre conduct maneuvers

• One Lupo/Mariscal Sucre-class missile frigates class^[26]
  • F-22 Almirante Brion, in service 1981^[27]

Offshore patrol vessels

PC-21 Guaiquerí

• Six Spanish-made offshore patrol vessels of the Guaiquerí class. One ship, PC-22 Warao is out of service. It was taken to Fortaleza, Brazil following a grounding incident in 2012,^[28] and subsequently to Rio de Janeiro.^[29][30]
  • PC-21 Guaiquerí, in service^[31]
  • PC-23 Yekuana, in service
  • PC-24 Kariña, in service

• One Spanish-made offshore patrol vessels of the Guaicamacuto class. One ship, GC-23 Naiguatá, was sunk after it rammed a cruise ship in 2020.^[32]
  • GC-21 Guaicamacuto, was in service as of 2011.^[33] Current operational status unknown.

Amphibious and service ships

• Four Capana-class LST.
  • T-61 Capana, into service 1983, as of 2001.^[34]
  • T-64 Los Llanos, into service 1983, was still in service as of 2001 as of 2001.^[34]
• Four Los Frailes-class LST
• One Ciudad Bolívar-class supply ship.
  • T-81 Ciudad Bolívar, was in service in 2001^[35]
• One Bricbarc type/Simón Bolívar training sailboat.^[36]
• One Almirante Francisco de Miranda-class tugboat^[37]

Coast guard ships

PG-51, a Damen Stan 2606

In 2006, Venezuela had four patrol boats, 2 more Venezuelan-built by 2008, and perhaps some others which are not verified. It is unclear how many, or if any, are still operational in 2023.^[36]

• Four USCG Point-class patrol boats, as of 2006.^[36][38]
• 16 Gavion-class patrol boats.
• Damen Stan 2606 vessels, built in Venezuela, similar to the United States Coast Guard's Marine Protector class, as of 2008.^[38][39] One already in service by 2008, plus 1 more completed by 2008. Up to 5 more might be built.^[40]

Naval aviation assets

CASA 212

Professional and enlisted

Rank group	Senior NCOs																						Junior NCOs						Enlisted
Bolivarian Navy of Venezuela[44]
	Sargento supervisor			Sargento ayudante			Sargento mayor de primera		Sargento mayor de segunda		Sargento mayor de tercera			Sargento primero			Sargento segundo						Cabo primero				Cabo segundo		Distinguido						Marinero raso

Officers

Rank group	General/flag officers										Senior officers						Junior officers								Officer cadet
Bolivarian Navy of Venezuela[45][46][47]
			Almirante en jefe		Almirante		Vicealmirante		Contraalmirante		Capitán de navío		Capitán de fragata		Capitán de corbeta		Teniente de navío		Teniente de fragata			Alferez de navío