The 641st Naval Special Operations Brigade (Azerbaijani: 641-ci Xüsusi Dəniz Əməliyyatları Briqadası) is a tier 1 special forces unit in the Azerbaijani Navy. It is currently based in Zığ.[1] The unit has been described as an 'impressive new maritime special forces unit.[2] It's polygon is on Wulf Island in the Bay of Baku.[3] The modern unit was established in 2001 with the cooperation of the Turkish Navy.[4]
The training and organization structure of the unit may be similar to Turkish special forces, Su Altı Taarruz and United States Special Forces who have a training relationship with them.[5] In 2004, a U.S. Navy SEAL team from Little Creek Amphibious Base, participated in joint exercises unit.[6] In 2005, Blackwater USA's Maritime Division was contracted to conduct interdiction training for the unit.[7] In addition, personnel of the unit have trained at the diving school of the Latvian NavyinLiepaja.[8] Exchanges of personnel have also been carried out with a number of foreign countries.[9]
Marine Sabotage and Reconnaissance Center of Special Purpose[edit]
The Marine Sabotage and Reconnaissance Center of Special Purpose is the training center of the unit.[10] The organizational and staff structure of the center in 1996 includes: 3 reconnaissance groups, 2 mountain groups and 1 diving group. Each group included 15-20 fighters each.[3] The personnel have participated in a number of joint military exercises with the Turkish Amphibious Marine Brigade and United States Marine Corps.
