With the aim of transporting more than 800 tons of humanitarian assistance, the Mexican Navy deployed two of its main logistical vessels to Cuba. Under the coordination of the Secretariat of the Navy, the operation includes the transfer of food supplies, hygiene items, and powdered milk destined for the island’s civilian population, strengthening bilateral cooperation in the face of the humanitarian emergency situation.
The shipment is being carried out aboard the tank landing ship ARM Papaloapan (A-411) and the amphibious logistic support vessel BAL-02 Isla Holbox, both belonging to the Mexican Navy. The units departed from the port of Veracruz with a total of 814 tons of cargo, which will be delivered in the coming days to Cuban authorities. This maritime operation is part of the tasks that Mexico has recently undertaken to assist various countries on the continent in the event of natural disasters.
The ARM Papaloapan is transporting approximately 536 tons of food supplies, including liquid milk, meat products, rice, beans, tuna, sardines, cookies, and vegetable oil, as well as personal hygiene items. Meanwhile, the BAL-02 Isla Holbox is carrying 277 tons of powdered milk, mainly destined for food programs. It is estimated that both units will arrive at their destination within a period of four days, while other shipments of more than 1,500 tons are being prepared for subsequent deliveries.
About the vessels ARM Papaloapan and ARM Isla Holbox
The ARM Papaloapan (A-411) is a Newport-class tank landing ship (LST), the lead ship of this family of amphibious units originally designed for the United States Navy. Incorporated into the Mexican Navy in 2001, it has a displacement of 8,550 tons and a maximum speed of 27 knots. Newport-class ships are distinguished by their innovative design compared to post–World War II LSTs, as these units replaced traditional bow doors with a large ramp supported by two arms, allowing the direct landing of armored vehicles and heavy equipment. It also features a flight deck for helicopter operations or cargo transport.
For its part, the BAL-02 Isla Holbox, formerly named Libertador, belongs to the Tiburón class (previously known as Montes Azules) of amphibious logistic support ships. With a total cargo capacity of 1,800 tons, of which 1,600 can be stored in its main hold, its design allows it to operate both at piers and directly on beaches. It is equipped with a bow ramp, a 20-ton crane, and a flight deck for helicopters of up to 14 tons, such as the Mexican Navy’s Mi-17s, as well as a 16,700-liter fuel tank for aerial refueling.
*Image credits: Government of Mexico.
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