As part of the first stage of the 2025/26 Antarctic Summer Campaign (CAV), the icebreaker ARA Almirante Irizar (RHAI) resupplied the Joint Antarctic Bases (BACs) Petrel and Esperanza in recent days
After leaving Marambio base behind, the ship under the command of Captain Sebastián Musa set course for the BAC Petrel, where it faced an additional challenge: a large presence of ice in the area.
Despite the adverse conditions, following the trail left by the French polar exploration cruiser Le Commandant Charcot, the Irizar was able to navigate more easily and reach its destination in just two days.
While sailing through the Antarctic Strait, with a temperature of -2°C and far from their loved ones, but united in their commitment to the mission, the crew welcomed the New Year on board.
On the night of January 1st, the icebreaker arrived near Dundee Island, where 18 meters above sea level, on the rocks at the foot of the Rosamaria Glacier, the Petrel base is located, re-established as a permanent base during the CAV 2021/22.
There, the unloading operations began using a Sea King helicopter. In total, 15 flights were carried out transporting general cargo, gas cylinders, and provisions to supply them for a year, in order to ensure the continuity of operations at the base and advance with the second phase of its development, which includes the assembly of living and logistical modules.
Rank Badges
Newly promoted non-commissioned officers received their rank badges in the Argentine Antarctic. The ceremony took place at the Petrel parade ground, presided over by the Base Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Josué Dorado, and was attended by the base personnel, the working group staff, and the Petrel Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center
After the flag ceremony was completed, the order of the day was read, and rank insignia were presented to the promoted non-commissioned officers of the three Armed Forces.
Those from the Argentine Army were presented by Captain Mario Felipe Leiva; on the side of the Argentine Navy, by Lieutenant Commander Gonzalo Daniel Ramos Arias and those of the Argentine Air Force were granted by First Lieutenant Alejandro Daniel Paz.
Chief Petty Officer Ariel Marino Cayo of the Argentine Navy, as the most senior of those recently promoted, delivered a speech, and emphasized that promotion for any military personnel represented not only recognition of their career, but also of their dedication, discipline, and vocation for service.
Consolidating Presence
After completing unloading at Petrel Base, the RHAI headed to the BAC Esperanza, where it remained nearby overnight due to winds exceeding 35 knots that prevented the completion of tasks. Finally, in the morning, the situation improved and the ship was able to operate.
Using boats and Personnel and Vehicle Landing Craft (EDPV), a scientific team from the National Antarctic Directorate (DNA) was transported. Additionally, through teamwork between the incoming crew and the Beach Group—responsible for logistics—personal bags, general cargo, fuel, gas cylinders, and appliances were unloaded for the homes of the families who will live at Esperanza, the only Antarctic base—founded in 1952—where personnel and their families overwinter, including children who attend the southernmost school in the world, Provincial School No. 38, thus consolidating Argentina’s presence on the continent.
The ship’s Second-in-Command, Commander José Luis Cides, stated that the operations during the first phase were coordinated and executed correctly. The personnel have a very important, but demanding, job. Everyone’s work has been excellent.