The Secretariat of the Navy, through the Mexican Navy, reports that this morning the ARM “Cuauhtémoc” (BE-01) Training Ship set sail from the port of Acapulco, Guerrero, to begin the Training Cruise “Consolidation of the Independence of Mexico 2025” , in order to exalt the seafaring spirit, strengthen naval education and carry the message of peace and goodwill of the Mexican people to the seas and ports of the world. On this voyage, 277 elements (64 women and 213 men) will visit 22 ports in 15 nations.
The sailing ceremony of the “Ambassador and Knight of the Seas” took place at the dock of the Eighth Naval Region. It was presided over by Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, Secretary of the Navy and High Command of the Mexican Navy, who was accompanied by Dr. Anacleta López Vega, Secretary of Government, representing the Governor of the State of Guerrero; Sebastián Ramírez Mendoza, Undersecretary of Tourism, representing the Ministry of Tourism; General Maximiliano Cruz Ramos, Inspector and Comptroller General of the Army, Air Force, and National Guard, representing the Secretary of National Defense; as well as naval and civil authorities.
During the training cruise “Consolidation of the Independence of Mexico 2025” named in honor of the 200th anniversary of this historic event on November 23 , the Sailing Ship “Cuauhtémoc” is scheduled to visit the following ports: Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Cozumel, Mexico; New York, United States of America; Reykjavik, Iceland; Bordeaux, Saint Malo and Dunkirk, France; Aberdeen, Scotland; Kristiansand, Norway; Esbjerg, Denmark; Bremenhaven, Germany; Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Netherlands; Antwerp, Belgium; London, United Kingdom; Avilés, Spain; Bridgetown, Barbados; Cozumel, Progreso and Veracruz, Mexico, for a total of 254 days, 170 sailing and 84 in port.
Representing her classmates, fourth-year General Corps Cadet Angie Arlette Cruz Monroy stated, “Beyond the triumphs we’ve achieved, we know the real challenge begins now. Every day, dedication, every effort, and every sacrifice have been the foundation of our preparation, and today, with our eyes on the horizon, we reaffirm our commitment to Mexico.”
For his part, Captain Víctor Hugo Molina Pérez, Commander of the Training Ship “Cuauhtémoc”, reported that on this occasion 147 Cadets from the Heroic Naval School are embarking aboard this ship to carry out the Training Cruise “Consolidation of the Independence of Mexico 2025”, in commemoration of that historic action where the personnel of the Mexican Navy expelled the last Spanish stronghold from Mexican lands, thus consolidating our Independence and marking the beginning of a new national era from the sea.
Addressing the crew, he stated, “Every port we call at and every activity we undertake will be an opportunity to showcase the greatness of our country, its values, and its culture. Be aware that we will be ambassadors for Mexico with every wave we ride. This Training Cruise will be a school without walls, where knowledge will not only be found in books, but in every maneuver, every sunrise on the high seas, and every challenge we face together as a single crew.”
At the time, the Admiral Secretary of the Navy stated that “today, the Training Ship “Cuauhtémoc” begins a new journey, and this is thanks to the importance that we naval sailors place on the unparalleled opportunity to strengthen our country’s international relations at sea. Regardless of the sea or ocean we sail, our commitment will always be to carry with us a message of peace and goodwill from Mexico to the world.”
The High Command of the Mexican Navy thanked the families who have entrusted their children’s future to this institution: “Thank you for that love that always serves as a beacon and guide, and thank you for the trust you have placed in the Ministry of the Navy to educate your children.”
It is important to mention that through the motto “For the exaltation of the sailor spirit” of the Sailing Ship “Cuauhtémoc”, the future officers of the Mexican Navy are instilled to offer until their last effort to make it a worthy and noble cradle, where the minds and spirits of those who embark in its bosom continue to be strengthened, pursuing the objective of training themselves to better serve their country.
It is worth noting that for more than 42 years the Training Ship “Cuauhtémoc” has traveled the oceans and seas of the world, training on its decks more than 43 generations of Captains, Officers, Cadets and Class and Sailor personnel in the most solid of seafaring traditions, one that relies on sails and ropes, one that knows the skies and sets the course with a sextant and above all, is capable of creating a union where Honor, Duty, Loyalty and Patriotism merge, values that distinguish naval sailors.