On August 9, oceanographic vessel ARA Austral set sail from the dock of the Mar del Plata Naval Base (BNMP) to begin the YTEC-GTGM 6 scientific campaign with personnel from the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (Conicet), corresponding to the expanded marine geology working group of the Pampa Azul initiative.
The day before, the pre-set sail ceremony was held on board, which was presided over by the Commander of the Hydrographic Vessels Group, Captain Juan Ignacio Squillacci, and was attended by the Commander of the Atlantic Naval Area and Head of the BNMP, Rear Admiral Marcelo Paternostro; the member of the Board of Directors of Conicet, Dr. Roberto Rivarola, and the Manager of Administration of Conicet, Dr. Jorge Alberto Figari.
Once the order to set sail was read, the Commander of the Unit, Frigate Captain Luis Ernesto Melian, referred to the scope and importance of the scientific campaign. For his part, Dr. Rivarola stressed the importance of the joint work with the scientific staff of Conicet and personnel of the Argentine Navy, to carry out research and scientific tasks in our jurisdictional waters.