Zona Militar‘s team had the opportunity to embark on the ARA “Sarandí D-13 destroyer during the combined exercise Gringo-Gaucho II, conducted alongside the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, the USS Porter destroyer, and the USNS John Lenthall logistics ship of the U.S. Navy. This experience not only allowed us to witness and participate in military operations and maneuvers but also to learn about life on board and the skills of the Argentine crew.
The PASSEX Gringo-Gaucho II exercise took place from May 29th to 31st, 2024. However, Zona Militar‘s team’s experience began on May 28th, covering the activities carried out by the seven Argentine Navy ships anchored off the coast of Mar del Plata city. The operations included the deployment of AS-555 SN Fennec and UH-3H Sea King helicopters, maneuvers that impressed with the number of assets present and the spectacular nature of their development.
ZM’s team began their journey to the ARA “Sarandí” from an RHIB of the oceanic patrol vessel ARA “Bouchard.” Once aboard the Argentine Navy destroyer, we were greeted by its commander and second in command, who welcomed us and provided a safety briefing, as well as the necessary equipment for life on board. The first day was marked by a complete tour of the ship’s facilities and the recording of the personnel’s preparatory activities for the deployment 150 miles off Mar del Plata.
During Gringo-Gaucho II, the ARA “Sarandí” participated in numerous exercises with U.S. naval aviation assets, including maneuvers against submarine threats, air defense, PHOTOEX, operations with the USNS John Lenthall, among others. These activities were coordinated from the Combat Information Center (CIC) of the ship, the Argentine destroyer’s nerve center where all operational environment information is received and processed. Zona Militar had the opportunity to appreciate the dynamics of work and the high level of attention of the personnel dedicated to the CIC, a compartment of the ship that has received various upgrades over the years to operate at the highest standards.
Life Onboard
Life aboard the ARA “Sarandí” showed a fascinating duality: the strict discipline and professionalism during operations contrasted with the warmth and empathy of the crew during downtime. Like on any ship, the daily activity of the 223 crew members was organized in shifts, ensuring the continuous and efficient functioning of the ship. Workdays extended throughout the entire ship, including the engine room, kitchen, infirmary, hangar and flight deck, Machinery Control Room, logistics, and tactical levels within the CIC and the bridge, just to name a few.
Periods of operational activity also shared space with the crew’s daily routine, so it was common to witness situations with personnel engrossed in their work, as well as moments of relaxation, with laughter and friendly conversations, sharing life stories with the Argentine Sea as a backdrop.
The facilities provided by the crew of the ARA “Sarandí” allowed us to delve into specific details of the various sectors of the destroyer. This included activities in the hangar and flight deck, where we witnessed refueling activities and the transport of personnel by Sea King and Fennec helicopters. We also toured and observed activity in the engine room, particularly the work of the personnel with the Tyne and Olympus turbines, and the Machinery Control Room, another focal point of the “Sarandí”.
The crew of the ARA “Sarandí” exhibited a strong connection and coordination, cohesion, and dedication that were evident in all the tasks witnessed by the ZM team, from preventive maintenance to the execution of complex maneuvers, such as in-flight refueling of Sea King helicopters. The latter proved to be a milestone for many of the crew members, highlighting the importance of training and subsequent training in operations.
Life at sea, despite being tough due to the distance from families, was viewed with satisfaction by the crew members, who always expressed their happiness to be on duty, sailing, and contributing to the efficient operation of the ship, also commenting that the destroyer is already an additional part of their family.
The crew’s constant effort to keep the ARA “Sarandí” in optimal operational conditions, both in port and at sea, was reflected daily in the impeccable condition of all systems and equipment, many of which have been in service for over three decades. One such case was observed when we were given a tour of the Oto Melara 127mm and Bofors 40mm cannons, systems that showcased the meticulousness and hard work of its personnel in ensuring they appeared almost like new.
Zona Militar‘s team’s experience aboard the ARA “Sarandí” during Exercise Gringo-Gaucho II was an unique opportunity to closely observe the professionalism, dedication, and capability of the Argentine Navy personnel. The ship, the Sarandí, is part of the crew’s heart, just as the crew is the heart of that ship. Maintenance and operation are ensured by the meticulous effort to always keep all systems and machinery, or “irons,” in the best possible condition, so that if the Nation demands it, the ARA “Sarandí” can give its best.
Post-exercise highlights
Thanks to: Argentine Navy; To the crew of the destroyer ARA ‘Sarandí’ D-13, whose professionalism was only surpassed by their hospitality and excellent disposition at all times.
You may also like: Gallery – A tour of the destroyers, corvettes, and patrol vessels deployed by the Argentine Navy in the Exercise Gringo-Gaucho II
