In a recent publication, the Argentine Navy confirmed the completion of the most recent navigation and machinery test to which the destroyer ARA La Argentina was subjected. The unit, belonging to the Destroyer Division of the Sea Fleet, has been undergoing tuning and maintenance work since 2023.
The Argentine Navy stated that during these tests, “checks of the propulsion system and the different systems that allow maintaining the operational status of the vessel were carried out. For these tasks, personnel from the Naval Arsenal Puerto Belgrano, the Naval Air Arsenal Comandante Espora, and the company Investigación Aplicada SE (INVAP) embarked on commission, advising the crew on different topics and verifying the onboard systems.”
Regarding crew training, they added: “The destroyer’s personnel conducted training activities in operational role adjustments with firefighting exercises, navigation in restricted waters, damage control, instruction in the use of pyrotechnics, and anchoring maneuvers.” After completing this test, the unit returned to its natural base at the Puerto Belgrano Naval Base, where tuning and maintenance work will continue.
In light of the latter, as has been reported for several weeks now, the Argentine Navy has been preparing various surface units and aircraft for the future visit of the USS George Washington aircraft carrier from the United States Navy. This includes the recovery of several helicopters from the Naval Aviation Command, as well as MEKO 360-class destroyers such as the ARA Sarandí; this unit has shown the highest level of operational readiness in recent months.
While the Navy did not indicate this in its communication, it is presumed that the ARA La Argentina may join this deployment for joint activities with US Navy assets arriving next May. However, as of today, the list of national aeronaval and surface assets participating in this type of activity has not been reported.
*Photographs: Argentine Navy.
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