In the morning hours, the Closing Ceremony of the 2023-2024 Summer Antarctic Campaign was held, bringing to an end a deployment that began on November 15th of 2023, with the departure of the Argentine Navy icebreaker ARA Almirante Irízar to the white continent. The campaign has marked several milestones during its duration. The event had the presence of the Minister of Defense, Luis Petri; the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, Xavier Isaac; the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Carlos Alberto Presti; the Chief of the General Staff of the Air Force, Fernando Luis Mengo; the Chief of the General Staff of the Navy, Carlos María Allievi; and the Antarctic Joint Commander, Edgar Calandin.
The first authority to deliver a speech was the Chief of the Joint Staff, Xavier Isaac, who highlighted the role of “all the institutions involved that participated with their resources in this campaign, which is synonymous with sovereignty, so that it could be carried out as it has been (…) The resources provided by the forces require significant efforts. Sometimes, the harsh weather tests them, but the stature of our people always prevails because we have an abundance of human material to carry out these tasks with total success.” It’s worth noting that this 2023-2024 Summer Antarctic Campaign is the first to be conducted with Brigadier General Isaac in charge of the Joint Staff.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense, Luis Petri, stated in his speech: “Argentinians, we have the pride and honor to see reflected in the Summer Campaign the spirit of our armed forces; but not only of them, because it is also necessary to recognize the joint work carried out with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CONICET.”
Giving special recognition to the work done by the crew of the icebreaker ARA Almirante Irízar, the defense minister declared: “(…) to the imposing Irízar and to its entire crew, who successfully carried out this new Antarctic campaign. They are 1,253 brave men and women who once again made their way across the polar ice to reach the deepest corners of Antarctica, reaffirming our presence on the white continent.”
The minister’s speech also highlighted the objectives achieved during this Summer Antarctic Campaign, including the resupplying of the seven permanent Antarctic Bases and the six Temporary Bases, the transportation of over 200 tons of construction material destined for the works carried out at Base Petrel to make it the new “natural gateway to Antarctica,” and the planning of future works for three scientific laboratories for astronomical and renewable energy studies. Additionally, the repair of a Sea King helicopter was conducted by a team of 17 technicians led by Lieutenant Commander Juan Prados.
From Zona Militar, we extend our gratitude to all the men and women of the different institutions who make us proud as Argentinians by carrying out a Summer Antarctic Campaign of this magnitude and importance, wishing them the greatest success in preparing for the future edition.
*Coverage conducted by María Victoria Pierucci
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