ARA “Puerto Argentino” set sail this Tuesday from the dock of the Puerto Belgrano Naval Base with a bow to Ushuaia, to participate in a new Combined Naval Antarctic Patrol (PANC).
The PANC takes place every austral summer in the seas of the white continent, in coordination between the Navies of Argentina and Chile.
Its mission is to provide support in search and rescue, maritime rescue and pollution control, guaranteeing the safety of navigation, the protection of human life and the preservation of the environment in southern waters, in compliance with the Antarctic Treaty.
The departure ceremony of the ARA “Puerto Argentino” was led by the Chief of the General Staff of the Navy, Admiral Carlos María Allievi; accompanied by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Navy, Vice Admiral Marcelo Ricardo Flamini; the Commander of Training and Enlistment of the Navy, Rear Admiral Gustavo Fabián Lioi Pombo; the Commander of the Marine Corps, Rear Admiral Javier Pedro López; and the Commander of the Sea Fleet, Rear Admiral José Alberto Martí Garro.
The warning, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Cintia Paola Maizares, will operate in the south until March 2026, in different stages, alternately with units of the Chilean Navy.
Relatives of the members of the ship’s crew were also present at the dock to say goodbye to the sailors.
The Combined Antarctic Naval Patrol was born in 1984, after the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Argentina and Chile. Its leadership depends on the Southern Naval Area, on the part of Argentina, and the Third Naval Zone, on the part of Chile.
Uninterrupted since 1998, the patrol reflects the joint work of both countries to guarantee nautical safety in a region of intense maritime traffic, since during the austral summer, the increase in scientific and tourist activities increases the movement of ships in Antarctica.