The main objective of the Fragata Libertad’s voyage is to complete the study cycle of the young midshipmen with a nautical practice in the arts of seafaring before graduation and to strengthen ties with the countries visited.
Dozens of family members were fired the crew of 27 officers, 191 non-commissioned officers and 92 non-commissioned officers, that with the five-month voyage they will complete their training cycle with a pre-graduation nautical practice in the arts of the sea. This year nearly 50 women are traveling aboard the school ship.
The journey in this edition includes the visit of eleven ports: Fortaleza (Brazil), Castries (St. Lucia), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), Havana (Cuba), Veracruz (Mexico), Baltimore (USA), Dublin (Ireland), Saint Malo (France), Toulon ( France), Cadiz (Spain) and Salvador de Bahía (Brazil).
During the tour, the ship will conduct its pre-occupational drills alongside crew members from the navies of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
“This 50th trip not only shows the validity of a tradition, but also a record that had to be postponed by the pandemic. That’s why this year we have a double promotion of the marina that makes the complete trip,” he assured at the beginning of the ceremony. Defense Minister Jorge Taiana before boarding the frigate to greet the crew.
While the Argentine flag flies from the ship’s masts, the Naval General Staff Band celebrates the departure order with the sound of military marches.
“This journey will proudly take our crew to several countries, to more than 300 people, almost 50 of whom are women. This shows that progress has been made towards the inclusion of women in the armed forces, something we encourage and are proud of,” Taiana said.
Along with the Minister, the Chief of the General Staff of the Navy, Julio Horacio Guardia; the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, Juan Martín Paleo; the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Xavier Julián Isaac, as well as civil, military and diplomatic authorities.
Taiana expressed that on the frigate, “we have crew brotherhood,” as sailors from multiple countries will accompany the crew on certain drills during the voyage.
“It’s a long journey, 10,000 nautical miles. An exceptional navigation in an exceptional boat. It will allow for training, camaraderie, and temperance for all crew members. Best wishes in these coming months that they have good winds and calm seas and that they keep Argentinian pride high,” he concluded.
The main objective of the trip is to complete the study cycle of the young midshipmen with a pre-graduation nautical practice in the arts of seafaring and to strengthen ties with the countries visited.