The crew of the ATF-66 tug “Galvarino” commemorated the 37th anniversary of the unit’s incorporation into the Chilean Navy in Talcahuano, its new home port since April.
The ceremony was presided over by the Commander in Chief of the Second Naval Zone and Head of National Defense for the provinces of Arauco and Biobío, Rear Admiral Oscar Manzano, who thanked the crew for their commitment and dedication to fulfill the tasks entrusted to them on a ship that is already 50 years old.
“You, as the current crew of this ship, represent all those who have served on its decks, who have understood the multifaceted roles that this type of Unit fulfills and have been able to solve the problems that, over the years, the material may present in order to continue fulfilling its tasks. That is why I recognize you for what you have done this year, the year you left as a crew of the Third Naval Zone fulfilling Antarctic patrol duties and now as a crew of the Second Naval Zone, where you arrive at a good time to fulfill the tasks that are carried out in the jurisdiction (…)”.
Rear Admiral Manzano added that this Unit is a good school for training young people, “because these ships are used to forge sailors like those of yesteryear, who know their equipment, who recover it when it fails and who keep it operational, but the main thing is that it is you, its crew, who give your ship your soul,” he stressed.
The Commander of the ATF tug “Galvarino”, Frigate Captain Ariel Gutiérrez, read the commemorative speech, in which he recalled the milestones that have marked the history of this vessel, which bears the name of the Araucanian chief, which in Mapudungun means “strong as an oak”.
With the arrival of the ATF “Lientur” to the Third Naval Zone, the “Galvarino” was transferred to the Second Zone, where it arrived in April, to continue carrying out support tasks in the jurisdictional waters of this naval zone, taking advantage of the versatility of its capabilities.
Before concluding his remarks, Commander Gutiérrez told his crew: “Being part of the soul of these ships requires a spirit that has as its central axis the management of those who preceded us, in demanding ourselves day after day in the professional field to take care of the ship and take it to the limits of its capabilities and continue contributing to its mission. You are the specialists who seek solutions, you are the restless professionals who superimpose their enthusiasm to complement their knowledge, who help their comrades and prepare to give their best, you will be the classroom for the new generations to make better sailors and you will always be part of those solid roots that make the Galvarino ship remain strong as an oak tree,” he stressed.