On March 19, 1784, in the city of Riohacha, currently part of the department of La Guajira, was born the most important naval hero for Colombia and Venezuela, Admiral José Prudencio Padilla López. This celebration joins the commemoration of the 203 years since the creation of the surface fleet that defends Colombia’s seas.
In commemoration of the first event, a series of protocol acts will be carried out in the birth city of the one who fought both in service to Spain and on the independence side, in more than 30 naval and river combats, the most notable being the Battle of Lake Maracaibo. Therefore, military and religious ceremonies, floral offerings, panel discussions, and concerts were held, attended by civil and military authorities and the general population.
It’s worth noting that the admiral began his career in the Spanish Navy of the New Kingdom, where he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first boatswain of the Spanish Navy. He participated in the Battle of Trafalgar, where he was taken prisoner, then liberated and returned to America, where he joined the independence faction, participating in campaigns such as those in Santa Marta and Riohacha. Some of the feats and battles he fought include:
- – Participation in the Battle of Trafalgar, where he was captured.
- – Leadership of the republican gunboat “Concepción” in the Battle of Tolú, where he defeated the Spanish frigate “Neptuno.”
- – Participation in the defense of Cartagena during the reconquest, from which he managed to escape.
- – Engagement in the Battle of Los Frailes and the landing at Carapano.
- – From 1817 to 1819, he led expeditions in the Orinoco and the Atlantic.
- – He was the naval commander in the liberation of Cartagena in 1821.
- – He was the architect and highest-ranking officer in the most important naval battle of the independence conflict, the Battle of Lake Maracaibo.
Admiral Padilla passed away on October 2, 1828, when, unjustly accused of participating in the September Conspiracy, he was executed by order of BolÃvar.
Surface Force Celebration
In addition to the above, the 203rd anniversary of the surface force of the National Navy of Colombia is also celebrated. Currently, it consists of 84 main ships, both maritime and riverine, organized into four flotillas: two maritime, one for the Caribbean and one for the Pacific, and two riverine, one for the Amazon and one for the Orinoco. Currently, its most important vessels are:
- – 4 Admiral Padilla-class frigates
- – 2 Donghae and Pohang-class corvettes
- – 3 Fassmer 80 economic zone patrol vessels
- – 1 POC-class economic zone patrol vessel (under construction)
- – 2 Reliance and 180 A-class oceanic patrol vessels
- – 2 Toledo-class oceanic patrol vessels
- – 2 Point-class coastal patrol vessels
- – 3 CPV 46-class coastal patrol vessels
- – 1 CPV 40-class coastal patrol vessel
- – 4 Swiftships-class coastal patrol vessels
- – 2 Sea Spectre-class coastal patrol vessels
- – 6 DBA-class landing craft
- – 21 main river combat vessels, mostly Nodriza and PAF-class.
The surface fleet has participated in the Colombia-Peru conflict, the Korean War, the “Orion Naval Campaign,” ten Antarctic expeditions, support operations in the Horn of Africa, humanitarian aid in Haiti, and knowledge exchange exercises such as Unitas, Rimpac, Panamax, and Solidarex. With the ARC “Gloria” training ship, Colombia’s floating ambassador to the world’s seas, it has shared our culture and traditions with various countries over the past 55 years.
According to the official statement, commemorative activities were carried out, including events in the cities of Bogotá, BahÃa Málaga, Cartagena, Puerto Carreño, and Puerto LeguÃzamo. These included thanksgiving masses, comrades’ lunches, and naval activities as integration spaces to strengthen the bonds of camaraderie among Colombia’s sailors. Additionally, on Friday, April 5, a military ceremony will be held in Bogotá, during which the Distinguished Service Medal for Surface Force will be awarded to outstanding personnel for their contributions to the strengthening and capabilities of this component.
Beginning of Journey and Visit to the United States by the ARC Gloria Ship
In recent days, the 2024 training cruise for the cadets of the Admiral Padilla Military School began from the port of Cartagena. The journey will visit ports in North America, Europe, and South America. The ship arrived at Baltimore, Maryland, on March 15, 2024, as its first stop, initiating navigation on the Patapsco River. In this port, a public open day was scheduled where visitors could experience Colombian culture, view a photographic exhibition of birds, sample the country’s gastronomy and handicrafts, and observe the normal operations of a sailing vessel.
On March 18, the sailboat began its journey to Europe, with its first port of call being Lisbon, Portugal, after a month-long voyage. It will also visit the ports of Civitavecchia – Italy, Marseille – France, Barcelona – Spain, Antwerp – Belgium, Stockholm – Sweden, Kiel – Germany, The Hague – Netherlands, and London – England.
Congratulations to the National Navy for its commemorations and to Colombia’s sailors for their hard work and efforts for the good of the nation.
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