Argentine actions in Antarctica

According to historical claims, the Argentine presence in Antarctica began during the first decade of the 19th century; though some even claim that it took place by the end of the previous century. Since then, the Argentine Government has conducted numerous scientific reassert projects and logistic actions.

First years

José María Sobral, who is considered the father of the Argentine Antarctica and a national hero, begun exploration at the end of 1901. In 1903, the Argentine Navy corvette ARA "Uruguay" commanded by "Teniente" Julián Irízar successfully rescued the Swedish expedition team of Otto Nordenskjöld. In 1904 the Argentine permanent presence in Antarctica began with the opening of Orcadas Base on Laurie Island. Argentina was the only nation to have an Antarctic base for 40 years until the British built a base on the same islands.

Expansion

On April 1st 1940, the first radio communication by radio hams was made between Orcadas Base (LSX) and Buenos Aires (LU 7 ET).

On February 7, 1942, an amphibious aircraft Stearman, embarked on ARA "1 de Mayo" cargo ship, made the first Argentine flight over Antarctica.

On December 13, 1947 an Argentine Navy Douglas DC-4 piloted by "Comodoro" Gregorio Portillo flew over the Antarctic Circle in a 15 hours and 30 minutes flight.

In 1953 the San Martín Base started operating, and Jubany opened two years later.

In 1965 the Argentine military conducted a large-scale land military manoeuvre on Antarctica known as Operación 90, some ten years before the Antarctic Treaty came into effect, and was conducted to cement Argentina's claims to a portion of the continent.

In the winter of 1968 at the request by the British embassy in Buenos Aires, an Argentine Navy Douglas DC-4 successfully delivered medical supplies to the British base EFE where one of its members, James K. Portwirie, was trapped with a medical emergency. However, after a few days, Portwirie's situation worsened, making a rescue necessary. An Argentine Air Force aircraft attempted to reach the base but crashed without casualties. On August 9, in the middle of the Antarctic winter, the Argentine Navy icebreaker ARA "General San Martín" (Q-4) was sent to rescue Portwirie. The operation was successful , gaining the thanks of the British Antarctic Survey: ‘‘an internal campaign like this was never attempted before in Antarctic History". Argentine captains Ferrari, De Rosso, Irigoin, Sidoti and Lieutenant Perossa were decorated by Queen Elizabeth.

Marambio Base was founded in 1969, currently the most important Argentine base on the Antarctica. In 1975 the Esperanza Base was built, and in 1979 the General Belgrano II.In 1978, the first Antarctic baby, Emilio Palma, was born in the "Fortín Sargento Cabral" at the Esperanza Base.

Modern years

In 2002, the Argentine Navy mounted an internal operation sending Icebreaker ARA "Almirante Irizar" to rescue the trapped supply vessel "Magdalena Oldendorff". Even though Irízar failed to break the Oldendorff free, she managed to move it to a safe position and re-supply the ship with food, medicine and medical personnel until the ice melted and the Oldendorff could return to open sea.

References

* [http://www.cpel.uba.ar/filargenta/correo/anta0047.htm Argentine Antarctica History] es icon
* [http://www.histarmar.com.ar/Armada%20Argentina/Buques1900a1970/BPolares/BPRompSMartin.htm ARA San Martin Icebreaker] es icon