Argentinian Frigate visiting Wellington

[vgp]

Argentinian Frigate visiting Wellington

The Argentinian Tall Sail Ship ARA LIBERTAD with her ship’s company of 220 will be berthed at Queen’s Wharf, Wellington from Monday 29 September until her departure on Sunday 5 October 2008.

The purpose of the ship’s visit is to strengthen bilateral relationships between the two countries and two Navies, and to make official calls.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer of ARA LIBERTAD, Captain Juan Jose Iglesias will be calling on the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson and the Deputy Mayor of Wellington, Mr Ian McKinnon.

The ship will also be holding official functions for invited guests.

Media are welcome to attend the following events:

Sunday 28 September
ARA Libertad will sail into Wellington Harbour and anchor off Soames Island at approximately 10.00am (possible photo op/weather shot).

Monday 29 September
ARA LIBERTAD will sail from Soames Island and berth at Queen’s Wharf at 10.00am. The Argentinian Ambassador will meet the ship at the wharf.

Ship is open to the public 2.00pm-6.00pm

Tuesday 30 September
The Commanding Officer and Ship’s Company will arrive at the National War Memorial, Buckle Street, to lay a wreath at 10.00am.

Ship is open to the public 2.00pm-6.00pm

Thursday 2 October
Ship open to the public from 2.00 – 6.00pm

Friday 3 October
Ship open to the public from 2.00 – 6.00pm

Saturday 4 October
Ship open to the public from 2.00 – 6.00pm

Sunday 5 October
ARA LIBERTAD sails.

www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/20080927-afvw.htm

[vgp]

Sailing ship for a modern navy

Sailing ships still have a place in a modern navy, the captain of the Argentine training ship ARA Libertad says.


"In our navy the best thing that officers must learn is to know and respect the sea and the best way to do that is on a sailing ship," said Captain Jose Iglesias, whose impressive three-masted square rigger berthed at Wellington's Queens Wharf yesterday.

The gleaming steel ship, with masts as high as a 12-storey building, is on an eight-month voyage around the world.

On board are 303 officers and crew, many of them junior officers who are all obliged to spend half a year on the Libertad.

Captain Iglesias, who was decorated for his role as a submarine navigator during the 1982 Falklands War, said Libertad played a good ambassadorial role for Argentina.

"At the same time it is a big opportunity for sailors in my navy to sail to and know places and meet new people in places like New Zealand."

Captain Iglesias made courtesy calls on Wellington Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon and navy chief David Ledson yesterday.

A reception will be held on board for invited guests and the ship is open to the public from 2pm to 6pm daily till Saturday.

Libertad, which has sailed from Sydney, motored into the harbour on Sunday and anchored off Matiu/Somes Island for a day before berthing. She is due to sail on Sunday morning for Tahiti and Chile and will return to Buenos Aires in December.

www.stuff.co.nz/dominionpost/4710077a23918.html

[phil]

Sept 30, 2008 20:13:34 GMT 12 @vgp said:

Captain Iglesias, who was decorated for his role as a submarine navigator during the 1982 Falklands War

One hopes it wasn't the Santa Fe.