| Brazil Squadron | |
|---|---|
.jpg) A wash painting of the brig USSBainbridge. | |
| Active | 1826–1905 |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | Naval squadron |
TheBrazil Squadron, theBrazil Station, or theSouth Atlantic Squadron was an overseas military station established by the United States in 1826 to protect American commerce in the South Atlantic during a war betweenBrazil andArgentina. When theCisplatine War between Argentina and Brazil ended, the station remained and continued to protect American interests during several other conflicts. The squadron was also active in theBlockade of Africa suppressing theAtlantic slave trade.[1][2] UnderFrench Chadwick, the South Atlantic Squadron was involved in the 1904Perdicaris Incident inTangier,Morocco. It ceased to exist when it was absorbed into theNorth Atlantic Fleet in 1905.[3]
Anexpedition to theFalkland Islands was launched in late 1831 when thesloop-of-warUSSLexington was sent toPuerto Soledad to investigate the capture and possible armament of two Americanwhalers. When the sailors arrived at the settlement, its Argentine population was found to be suffering from starvation soCommanderSilas Duncan evacuated the colonists to the mainland. Because of this the Falklands were left unpopulated and open for British colonization a few years later. Argentina's dispute with the United Kingdom over rights to the islands culminated in the 1982Falklands War which left the British in control. Argentine accounts claim that the USSLexington destroyed the town with naval gunfire, while American accounts differ.[4]
| Vessel | Captor | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porpoise | Raritan | 23 January 1845 | Rio de Janeiro |
| Albert | Bainbridge | June 1845 | Bahia |
| Laurens | Onkahye | 23 January 1848 | Rio de Janeiro |
| A.D. Richardson | Perry | 11 December 1848 | Rio de Janeiro |
| Independence | Perry | 13 December 1848 | Rio de Janeiro |
| Susan | Perry | 6 February 1849 | Rio de Janeiro |