Argentine Vessel Frigate ARA Libertad docks in Barbados

The Argentine Frigate ARA Libertad has arrived today at the Port of Bridgetown, Barbados, marking a significant moment in its 52nd training voyage.

The frigate first arrived in Barbados in 1974, marking its second voyage to the island. This visit additionally commemorates the 50th anniversary of its inaugural journey.

Present to greet the vessel were Charley Browne, the Permanent Secretary (International Transport) in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport; Ciro Ciliberto, Argentina’s Ambassador to Barbados; Lieutenant Commander Graham Rocheford of the Barbados Defence Force; and officers from the Barbados Coast Guard.

The Frigate ARA Libertad received its guests under the esteemed command of Navy Captain Alfredo Ureta.

The Permanent Secretary, Browne, warmly welcomed the captain and crew upon their arrival at the island, remarking that “the berth of the ship represents a significant milestone.” He expressed his hopes for a pleasant stay for the Captain and crew in Barbados.

The vessel is a steel-hulled, fully rigged, Class A sailing ship, an educational platform within the Argentine Navy. It ranks among the largest and swiftest tall ships globally and boasts an impressive collection of speed records.

The Frigate ARA Libertad was conceived and constructed in the 1950s at the Rio Santiago Shipyard in Argentina. Her inaugural journey took place in 1961, and she remains a vessel of education, undertaking annual instructional voyages for graduating naval cadets while also serving as a travelling ambassador of goodwill.

The ship has traversed over 800,000 nautical miles (1,500,000 km) across various oceans, made stops at approximately 500 ports in over 60 nations, and has educated more than 11,000 naval graduates.

The Frigate ARA Libertad is set to embark on its journey on Sunday, September 22, 2024.