- Jul 1, 2018
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ARGENTINE ANTARTIC COMMAND |
Mission of the Argentine Antarctic Unit: Protect argentine interests in the antarctic continent and its surrounding maritime areas. Operate the national bases and stations and execute the annual summer campaign. Conduct S&R missions and safeguard maritime traffic in the region. Assist all scientific efforts, contributing to the evolution of human knowledge.
ARGENTINE ANTARCTIC TERRITORY
Argentine Antarctic holds a claim over a portion of the continent, (25° West and 74° West meridians and the 60° South parallel) based on historical and geological considerations: Argentina's continued human presence since 1904, and the proximity to the American continental part of Argentina.
According to historical claims, the Argentine presence in the area began during the first decade of the 20th century; though some even affirm that it took place by the end of the previous century. By the end of the 20th century the aid lent by Argentina to foreign expeditions, in particular that of notorious adveturers such as Nordenskiöld, Gerlache or Charcot, was properly appreciated. This included the assignment of Argentine names to Antarctic geographic features, such as the Argentine Islands, Uruguay Islands, General Roca, Quintana, and others.
In 1904, the permanent occupation began with the opening of Orcadas Base on Laurie Island just off the Antarctic mainland. Argentina was the only nation to have and mantain an Antarctic base on hte continent for 40 years.
Argentina bases its claims on this sector of Antarctica on the following grounds:
- The Antarctic peninsula is geologically and geographically part of the Andes.
- Argentina has maintained a permanent occupation for more than a century, and controls the oldest base in antarctica (Orcadas Station on Laurie Island).
- Argentina conducts rescue missions in Antarctica.
- Argentina has constructed lighthouses and other navigational aids in Antarctica.
- Argentina constructed Antarctica's first airport in 1969.
- Argentines form more of Antarctica's peninsula's population than nationals of any other country.
- The first Antarctican was born in Esperanza Base.
- Argentina has sent more people to Antarctica than all the other countries together.
HISTORY & FACTS
Administratively, the Argentine Antarctic territory is a department of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands. The provincial authorities reside in Ushuaia and the Governor annually designates his or her delegate for the Antarctica region.
Already during the decade of 1810, many fishing and whaler ships with argentine (United Provinces of the Rio de La Plata) operated under the 60°S parallel, with permits from Buenos Aires. Many naval expeditions followed.
The Argentine exploration of the continent itself started early in the 20th century. José María Sobral was the first Argentine to set foot on Antarctica in 1902, where he spent 2 seasons with the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of Doctor Otto Nordenskiöld. Shortly afterwards, in 1904, the Orcadas permanent base was already fully operational. Years later other bases would be created, some permanent and others seasonal. The first Argentine expedition to reach the South Pole was the 1965 "Operación 90".
On January 2, 1904 the Argentina acquired a weather station in Laurie Island in the South Orkneys. Civilian Hugo Alberto Acuna accounted for the first hoisting of the argentine flag in the Argentine Antarctic sector, on February 22, 1904. This observatory became the Orcadas Base, the oldest existing permanent human settlement today across the Antarctic territory.
BASES & STATIONS
List
ASSIGNED VESSELS & AIRCRAFT
- ARA Perito Moreno, Icebraker (Operated by Argentine Navy)
- ARA Piedrabuena, Icebraker (Operated by Argentine Navy)
- ARA Antártida Argentina, Transport Ship (Operated by Argentine Navy)
- ARA Sobral, Landing Ship (Operated by Argentine Navy)
- 5x Mil Mi-17 Utility helicopter. (Operated by Argentine Air Force)
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