On Monday, November 4, the Navies of Chile and Argentina began the twenty-fourth edition of the combined naval exercise “Viekarén” —a concept that, in the Yagán language, means “trust,” reflecting the spirit of cooperation between both countries in the southernmost tip of the continent. This year, the exercise is taking place in a special context: 40 years are being commemorated since the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1984, which put an end to the border disputes in this region of the Beagle Channel, transforming it into a symbol of peace and mutual collaboration.
Since its inception in 1999, “Viekarén” has been more than just a training exercise; it is a space for interoperability where both Navies strengthen their joint response capacity in complex situations, such as the protection of human life at sea and emergency response, including marine pollution incidents. In the coming days, the exercise will include coordinated search and rescue operations, maritime traffic control and emergency response, always complying with international standards and regulations.
Captain Luis Eduardo Bustos, Commander of the Beagle Naval District, stressed the importance of this edition. “This year we celebrate four decades of peace and friendship between Chile and Argentina, a legacy of mutual trust that we reaffirm today at sea, in an exercise that symbolizes our collaboration at the end of the world,” he said.
For his part, the Chief of Staff of the Beagle Naval District, Frigate Captain Rodrigo Quezada, stated that the operations will focus on increasing interoperability between both Navies, and training the combined response capabilities in the event of a maritime emergency in the Beagle Channel area.
Description of the maneuvers
Throughout the exercise, search and rescue training, maritime traffic control drills and coordinated emergency responses will be conducted, following protocols that ensure interoperability and compliance with international regulations.
Eight units will participate in this edition: Chile, the General Service Patrol Vessels (PSG) “Isaza” and “Sibbald” and the General Service Launches (LSG) “Hallef” and “Alacalufe”; representing the Argentine Navy, the Oceanic Patrol Vessel ARA “Bouchard”, the Fast Launch ARA “Indómita” and the Patrol Boats ARA “Concepción del Uruguay” and “Baradero”. In addition, more than 200 personnel from both countries are dedicated to the development of operations in the Beagle Channel.
The “Viekarén” exercise will conclude this Thursday in Puerto Williams, and later, the PSG “Sibbald” crew will travel to Ushuaia for the final evaluation meeting, strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation that have been key in this annual operation, a space for peace and joint work at the end of the world.