As part of the conclusion of the second phase of the 2023-2024 Summer Antarctic Campaign (CAV) and the Combined Naval Antarctic Patrol (PANC), the Argentine Navy detailed the itinerary followed by the units involved in these deployments: the ARA “Estrecho de San Carlos” and “Bahía Agradable” patrol ships; with the departure of these ships from Ushuaia recently bound for the Puerto Belgrano Naval Base as the backdrop.
In the case of the ARA “Estrecho de San Carlos,” the vessel was assigned to carry out the Combined Naval Antarctic Patrol, participating alongside assets from the Chilean Navy. Over 142 days away from its original base, the Argentine Navy unit performed tasks related to “the safeguarding of human life at sea and pollution control during the summer period. Additionally, it carried out buoying tasks, personnel transfer between different Antarctic bases, and other support tasks. It also took part in the ceremony commemorating the 42nd anniversary of the Joint Carlini Antarctic Base.”
Furthermore, in terms of naval training with other units of the Navy, the “Estrecho de San Carlos” conducted a series of exercises along the coast of the Beagle Channel with personnel from the 4th Marine Infantry Battalion, and the patrol boats ARA “Barranqueras” and ARA “Baradero,” belonging to the “Lanchas Rápidas” Group.
On the contrary, the tasks of the “Bahía Agradable” were focused on providing support to the efforts grouped under the 2023-2024 Summer Antarctic Campaign, coordinated by the Joint Antarctic Command. Among the tasks carried out by the notice were the “deployment of military and scientific personnel to different Antarctic bases, transporting tons of various and special cargoes such as Antarctic diesel, gas cylinders, gasoline, provisions, refrigerated chambers and antechambers, vehicles, and scientific cargoes.”
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