After speculation and crossed versions, the Government finally confirmed that the Frigate Libertad will complete the 52nd training trip this year for the new Navy officers who graduated from the Naval Military School. As far as he could know Infobae the crossing will be made during the second semester, once the scheduled maintenance tasks being carried out on the training ship are completed.
The Minister of Defense, Luis Petri, received today in the Libertador Building the head of the Argentine Navy, rear admiral Carlos María Allievito learn about the progress of the boat’s review and know the requirements so that it can be ready and put into service, as well as to know first-hand the budgetary needs linked to the training trip.
“Carrying out this year’s trip was never in discussion. The frigate is undergoing scheduled maintenance and the spare parts must be received, which have already been ordered, paid for, and the import procedures have begun,” official sources explained.
The “Ambassador of the Seas”, as the frigate ARA “Libertad” is recognized, has been in Puerto Belgrano for about ten days, after participating in the central event for Navy Day that was held with the staff of the General Staff Joint, the Air Force, the Army, the Ministry of Defense and several special guests.
The maintenance carried out on the training ship in the “heart” of the Argentine Sea Fleet is carried out, as explained to Infobae, in the time available between one training trip and the next and after completing other representation activities. and service that is carried out year after year.
The sources that anticipated Infobae that the meeting was going to be held to analyze the issue, they specified that in the conversation between the minister and the head of the Navy it was confirmed that there is a budget to carry out the maintenance, as well as the trip that the midshipmen take to complete the training.
In general, they are trips of between three and five months, but this year, only after the maintenance activities have been completed, the trip itinerary will be defined, considering dates, invitations and other commitments that may be required of the Argentine Navy.
This has to do with the fact that it is usually noted that the midshipmen’s journey takes place every year “around the world”, but the definitive tours usually close shortly before boarding. In fact, the last administration in Defense of the Kirchnerism, which was led by Jorge Taiana, significantly cut the itinerary of the frigate ARA Libertad due to budgetary limitations. In 2023, the training ship only touched ports in America.
The ARA Libertad Frigate is the training ship of the Argentine Navy, built with the purpose of training the cadets of the Naval Military School. The construction of this ship began in 1953 at the Río Santiago Shipyards, located in the province of Buenos Aires, and it was launched on May 30, 1956. However, it was not until May 28, 1963 that it was officially delivered and entered service.
The main mission of the Frigate Libertad is the training of future naval officers, providing – as indicated in the Navy – a practical environment where future officers can apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during their academic training. Over the years, the frigate has undertaken numerous training voyages, covering thousands of nautical miles and visiting ports around the world. These trips not only strengthen the cadets’ maritime skills, but also serve as ambassadors for Argentina, promoting friendship and understanding between nations.
Regarding its technical characteristics, the Frigate Libertad is an imposing ship. With a length of 103.75 meters, a beam of 14.31 meters and a draft of 6.60 meters, she is one of the largest vessels of her type. Her displacement is 3,765 tons and she can reach a speed of 13.8 knots thanks to her combination of sail and engine propulsion. She is equipped with three masts that support a vast area of 2,652 square meters, distributed over 27 sails, allowing her to take advantage of the winds for navigation.
The crew of the Frigate Libertad is made up of officers, non-commissioned officers and cadets, reaching between 270 and 300 people during training trips. Life on board is organized into specific watches and tasks, ensuring the efficient operation of the ship and providing comprehensive training to cadets.
In addition to its educational function, the Frigate Libertad has participated in numerous regattas and international events, obtaining recognition and awards for its performance and beauty. Among the most notable achievements is the world speed record for crossing the North Atlantic for sailboats of her class, achieved in 1966.
The Frigate Libertad is not only a symbol of the Argentine Navy, but also a national pride. She represents the country’s naval tradition, excellence in the training of its sailors and Argentina’s commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation. This training ship continues to sail the seas, carrying with it the history and future of Argentine navigation.
