A few days ago, Militär Aktuell in the Norwegian port of Bodø the Portuguese frigate “NRP Bartolomeu Dias” (F333), now a completely different ship was in front of our lens in Kristiansand: the Argentine three-masted barque “ARA Libertad” – a real gem of classic seafaring and at the same time the flagship of the officer training of the Argentine Navy.
The “Libertad” is anchored in southern Norway as part of the traditional Tall Ships Race, together with numerous other renowned windjammers from all over the world. The impressive full-rigged ship measures 103 meters in length, is operated by over 290 crew members – including 49 cadets – and has been in service since 1963. Its home port is Buenos Aires, from where the impressive sailing ship has set course for Europe.
The focus of the cadets’ training on board is on acquiring practical knowledge on the high seas. The prospective naval officers are to be trained in traditional sailing operations, navigation and seamanship in particular – a floating classroom on a voyage around the world that combines national representation and seamanship.
Incidentally, the Polish “Dar Mlodziezy”, another full-rigged ship that trains future merchant navy officers, was also moored at the pier opposite the “Libertad” in Kristiansand. The German “Alexander Humboldt II” was moored next to the “Libertad”, while a few meters away, the “Capitán Miranda” (Uruguay) and the “Shabab Oman II” (Oman) were two other sail training ships with a military training mission.
By the way: The “Libertad” is expected to dock at the Überseebrücke in Hamburg on August 4 at around 1 p.m. and will remain there until Friday morning, August 8. Departure is planned for 10.00 am. The ship will be open to interested visitors from August 5 to 7 from 13:00 to 17:00.
Here for more news about the Argentine armed forces.
