Admiral Gouveia e Melo Bids Farewell to the Navy with a Touch of Royal Legacy

Admiral Gouveia e Melo's Departure

Henrique Gouveia e Melo is set to leave his position as the Chief of the Navy. According to the December edition of the Revista da Armada, he is departing on a high note. Gouveia e Melo's term, which began on December 27, 2021, will conclude on the upcoming December 27, and he has already informed his colleagues that he does not wish to be reappointed.

In this last edition featuring Gouveia e Melo, a reflection on his three years of leadership is provided. His tenure is characterized as a period of transformation, a term he emphasizes in his editorial. In his farewell message, he expresses a sense of accomplishment, stating, "When I approach my last task, I feel calm and confident because I will leave the ship ready, focused, useful, meaningful, and technologically more prepared for new challenges."

As he prepares for a new endeavor—rumored to be a presidential candidacy announcement in March or April 2024—the magazine concludes with an illustration of Gouveia e Melo alongside King D. João II, known as the Prince Perfect, who is celebrated for his maritime expansion.

In the caption, it humorously suggests that if D. João II could see today’s drones, artificial intelligence, and the technology available to the Navy, he would certainly engage in discussions with the admiral.

However, this publication has sparked criticism within the Navy and the political arena, with some questioning whether the Revista da Armada is being used for political propaganda. Paulo Muacho, a deputy from the Livre party, queried on social media whether it is a Navy magazine or a pre-campaign flyer. Likewise, Fabian Figueiredo from the Bloco de Esquerda argued that the official publication should not be reduced to a presidential campaign pamphlet. Mariana Leitão, leader of the IL bench, also criticized Gouveia e Melo, suggesting that a bit more restraint was necessary.