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Chilean Navy

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Chilean navy
Armada de la República de Chile
Chilean Navy Jack
CountryChile
EngagementsChilean independence
War of the Pacific

The Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile) is the naval force of Chile.

Present

CS Simpson (SS-21) entering Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 2004
Capitan Prat on the North Sea
File:Cougar chile unitas 47-06.JPG
Chilean Navy Cougar
Chilean frigate Almirante Blanco Encalada (FF-15) at Pearl Harbor, 2006.

The 25,000-person navy, including 5,200 marines, is directed by Admiral Rodolfo Codina. Of the fleet of 66 surface vessels (soon to be increased to seventy-four), seven are major combatant ships and they are based in Valparaíso. The navy operates its own aircraft for transport and patrol; there are no fighter or bomber aircraft. The Navy also operates four submarines and a tender ship to support them, all based in Talcahuano.

The Chilean Navy’s most important asset is the 22,000 men and women that develop, maintain and operate the naval and maritime resources and land-based support installations.

The men and women who comprise the Chilean Navy all share a set of clearly recognizable traits, that is, their commitment to serving their country, their values, their devotion to tradition and family principles, as well as a high level of professionalism. Apart from being responsible for defending the nation’s sovereignty and its territory, the Chilean Navy is also involved in serving the public and supporting the country’s citizens by means of assignments that have a direct effect upon Chile’s development.

The Naval ships permit the integration of Chile’s Pacific and Southern island regions, thus integrating its disjointed geography and acting as a binding agent for Chile’s tri-continental features. The transport of passengers, especially during the school year or in cases of emergency, together with the supply of provisions and fuel, are of key importance to the inhabitants of these insular zones.

The Institution regularly carries out civil operations whereby Navy professionals provide social assistance and health care to the civilian population, and provide support in cases of natural catastrophe.

It also undertakes preventative education campaigns for Chile’s population on issues that include security on beaches and seaside resorts and measures to be taken in the case of a tsunami.

The most important naval bases and supply depots are (from north to south): Iquique, Easter Island, Valparaíso, Talcahuano, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Puerto Williams, and Base General Bernardo O’Higgins Riquelme in Antarctica].

File:Type 23 Frigate Chilean Navy (Cochrane).gif
Type 23 frigates
File:Type M frigate Chilean Navy (Riveros).gif
Type M frigates
File:Type L frigate Chilean Navy (Latorre).gif
Type L frigates
File:Type 22 Frigate Chilean Navy (Williams).gif
Type 22 frigates

Order of Battle

see List of active Chilean Navy ships

  • 2 L class frigate
    • Almirante Latorre (ex- HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerck)
    • Capitan Prat (ex- HNLMS Witte de With)
  • 2 M class frigate
    • Blanco Encalada (ex- HNLMS Abraham van der Hulst)
    • Almirante Riveros (ex- HNLMS Tjerk Hiddes)

[1]

  • 3 Saar 4 (Reshef) class FAC-M
  • 4 Tiger class fast attack craft (Type 148)
  • 1 OPV (Fassmer design, built by ASMAR) 2 more options planed
  • 20 coastal patrol craft (5 Taitao class, 15 Protector class (all built by ASMAR)
  • 8 Dabur class inshore patrol craft
  • 5 Amphibious landing ships (2 Batral, 2 Elicura and 1 Newport class)
  • 12 support ships

Recently decommisioned ships


The remaining two Condell class frigates were stricken from Chilean Navy service, after the arrival of their replacements. Despite their age, and due to their excellent condition and constant modernization, both ships were sold and delivered to the Ecuadorian Navy in 2008.

Aircraft inventory

Template:Standard table ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Aircraft ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Versions ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|In service[1] ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Notes |----- | Bell 206 JetRanger |  United States | Utility helicopter | Model 206B
TH-57 Sea Ranger | 4
2 | |----- | CASA C-212 Aviocar |  Spain | Tactical transport | C-212A | 3 | |----- | Cessna O-2 Skymaster |  United States | Liaison | O-2A | 8 | |----- | Embraer EMB-111 |  Brazil | Maritime patrol aircraft
transport | EMB-111AN
EMB-111C | 3
1 | |----- | Eurocopter Bo 105 |  European Union | Utility helicopter | Bo 105C | 2 | |----- | Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar |  European Union | Naval helicopter | AS 532SC | 5 | 1 lost in nighttime ASW training accident. |----- | Eurocopter AS 365 Dauphin |  European Union | SAR helicopter | AS 365 | 4 | 4 more to be acquired |----- | CASA C-295 |  Spain | Maritime patrol aircraft | C-295 Persuader | 3[2] | 3 acquired, with option for 5 mre |----- | Lockheed P-3 Orion |  United States | Maritime patrol aircraft
VIP transport | P-3ACH
| 4 (+ 4 spares) | To be replaced by C-295 in the near future |----- | Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer |  Switzerland | Trainer | | 7 | Originally 10 PC-7 in fleet. None lost in accidents. |}

Marines

Chilean Navy special forces sailors seen here using the MP5N.

The Chilean Marines or (Infanteria de Marina de Chile) is the land/amphibious attack force of the Chilean Navy. The 5,200 manned force contains special training and tactics with state of the art equipment.

Equipment

Vehicles

Weapons

History

The beginnings of the Chilean Navy date back to 1817. A year before, following the Battle of Chacabuco, General Bernardo O'Higgins prophetically declared “this victory and another hundred shall be of no significance if we do not gain control of the sea”.

Naval Battle of Iquique. The Esmeralda versus The Huascar.

This led to the development of Chile’s Naval Power, and the first legal resolutions outlining the organization of the institution were created. Chile’s First National Fleet and the Academy for Young Midshipmen (predecessor of the current Naval Academy) were founded, as were the Marine Corps and the Supply Commissary.

The Scot Thomas Cochrane was hired by O'Higgins to be the first commander of the Chilean Navy, whom in turn hired an all-anglophone officer corps and midshipmen crew (British, Irish and United States' seamen). He was key in the war against loyalist Peru. Later he took control of the fortresses of Valdivia, but failed in his attempt to conquer Chiloe Island.

The Chilean Navy’s lifelong allegiance to its country has been shaped throughout the years by notable men who, when necessary, have been ready to sacrifice their lives.

The most outstanding example of this commitment is that of Commander Arturo Prat, whose name went down in history for the exceptional heroism he demonstrated at the Naval Action at Iquique, on 21 May 1879, during the War against Peru and Bolivia (War of the Pacific).

Prat, while in charge of the fragile corvette Esmeralda, fought to the end with the imposing Peruvian ironclad Huascar, despite the inferiority of his own forces. Rather than surrender to the enemy, he valiantly gave his life alongside his crew.

Battleship Almirante Latorre. 32.000 Tons

Prat’s act of bravery is commemorated every year on 21 May, the only national holiday in Chile to recall a military feat. On that day, the country pays tribute to the courage shown by Prat and his men, whose deeds led to victory in this war.

Nevertheless, throughout Chile’s naval history, other outstanding individuals and great deeds have contributed to making the Institution that it is today.

The Chilean Navy has tended to be a highly professional force which has regularly purchased modern warships from Britain, consistent with its lifelong relationship with the United Kingdom.

Wars

The Chilean Navy has fought the following wars:

Commanders-in-chief

Picture Rank Name Entered Office Exited Office Position
Colonel Francisco de la Lastra de la Sotta 1812 1814 Valparaiso governor
Lieutenant Colonel Rudecindo Alvarado 1817 1817 Valparaiso governor
Colonel Francisco de la Lastra de la Sotta 1817 1818 Valparaiso governor
Navy Captain 1st Class Manuel Blanco Encalada 1818 1821 Navy General Commander
Colonel José Ignacio Zenteno del Pozo 1821 1825 Navy General Commander
General Francisco de la Lastra de la Sotta 1825 1829 Navy General Commander
Division General José María de la Cruz Prieto 1829 1831 Navy General Commander
José Matías López Orrego 1831 1833 Navy General Commander
Colonel of Militia Diego Portales Palazuelos 1833 1834 Navy General Commander
Colonel Ramón de la Cavareda Trucios 1834 1837 Navy General Commander
Colonel Victorino Garrido 1837 1842 Navy General Commander
Division General José María de la Cruz Prieto 1842 1843 Navy General Commander
Commodore Robert Winthrop Simpson 1843 1844 Navy General Commander
Division General José Joaquín Prieto Vial 1844 1845 Navy General Commander
Navy Captain Robert Winthrop Simpson 1845 1846 Navy General Commander
General José Santiago Aldunate Toro 1846 1847 Navy General Commander
Vice Admiral Manuel Blanco Encalada 1847 1852 Navy General Commander
Rear Admiral Robert Winthrop Simpson 1852 1853 Navy General Commander
Julián Riesco Droguett 1853 1856 Navy General Commander
Domingo Espiñera Riesco 1856 1858 Navy General Commander
Manuel Valenzuela Castillo 1858 1858 Navy General Commander
Jovino Novoa Vidal 1859 1859 Navy General Commander
General Juan Vidaurre-Leal Morla 1859 1859 Navy General Commander
Colonel Cornelio Saavedra Rodríguez 1860 1860 Navy General Commander
General José Santiago Aldunate Toro 1861 1864 Navy General Commander
Juan Ramón Lira 1864 1865 Navy General Commander
Vicente Villalón 1865 1865 Navy General Commander
Juan Ramón Lira 1865 1866 Navy General Commander
José María de la Cruz Salvo 1867 1867 Navy General Commander
Commodore José Anacleto Goñi Prieto 1867 1868 Navy General Commander
Juan Ramón Lira 1868 1868 Navy General Commander
Commodore José Anacleto Goñi Prieto 1869 1870 Navy General Commander
Francisco Echaurren García-Huidobro 1870 1876 Navy General Commander
Eulogio Altamirano Aracena 1876 1879 Navy General Commander
Rear Admiral José Anacleto Goñi Prieto 1879 1880 Navy General Commander
Eulogio Altamirano Aracena 1880 1880 Navy General Commander
Commodore Oscar Viel Toro 1881 1883 Navy General Commander
Domingo Toro Herrera 1884 1885 Navy General Commander
Rear Admiral Juan José Latorre Benavente 1886 1887 Navy General Commander
Rear Admiral Luis Uribe Orrego 1887 1889 Navy General Commander
Rear Admiral Juan Williams Rebolledo 1890 1891 Navy General Commander
Rear Admiral Oscar Viel Toro 1891 1891 Navy General Commander
Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Molinas Gacitúa 1892 1892 Navy General Commander
Rear Admiral Luis Anacleto Castillo Goñi 1893 1897 Navy General Commander
Vice Admiral Jorge Montt Alvarez 1897 1913 Navy General Director
Vice Admiral Luis Alberto Goñi Simpson 1913 1916 Navy General Director
Vice Admiral Lindor Pérez Gacitúa 1916 1916 Navy General Director
Vice Admiral Joaquín Muñoz Hurtado 1916 1922 Navy General Director
Vice Admiral Francisco Nef Jara 1922 1924 Navy General Director
Vice Admiral Salustio Valdés Cortés 1924 1925 Navy General Director
Vice Admiral Luis Langlois Vidal 1925 1925 Navy General Director
Vice Admiral Juan Schroeder Peña 1925 1927 Navy General Director
Vice Admiral Jose Toribio Merino Saavedra 1927 1928 Navy Inspector General
Rear Admiral Felipe Wiegand Rodríguez 1928 1929 Navy Inspector General
Rear Admiral Alejandro García Castelblanco 1929 1930 Navy Inspector General
Vice Admiral Hipólito Marchant Morales 1930 1931 Navy Inspector General
Rear Admiral Alejandro García Castelblanco 1931 1931 Navy Inspector General
Vice Admiral Hipólito Marchant Morales 1931 1932 Navy Inspector General
Rear Admiral Edgardo von Schröeders Sarratea 1932 1932 Navy Inspector General
Rear Admiral Carlos Jouanne de la Motte du Portail 1932 1932 Navy General Director
Rear Admiral Luis Alvarez Jaramillo 1932 1932 Navy General Director
Rear Admiral Calisto Rogers Ceas 1932 1932 Navy General Director
Vice Admiral Olegario Reyes del Río 1932 1938 Navy Commander-in-chief
Vice Admiral Luis Alvarez Jaramillo 1938 1938 Navy Commander-in-chief
Vice Admiral Julio Allard Pinto 1938 1943 Navy Commander-in-chief
Vice Admiral Vicente Merino Bielich 1943 1947 Navy Commander-in-chief
Vice Admiral Emilio Daroch Soto 1947 1948 Navy Commander-in-chief
Vice Admiral Carlos Torres Hevia 1948 1952 Navy Commander-in-chief
Vice Admiral Danilo Bassi Galleguillos 1952 1952 Navy Commander-in-chief
Vice Admiral Enrique Lagreze Echavarría 1952 1954 Navy Commander-in-chief
File:FORyan.jpg Vice Admiral Francisco O'Ryan Orrego 1954 1958 Navy Commander-in-chief
Vice Admiral Leopoldo Fontaine Nakin 1958 1962 Navy Commander-in-chief
File:HCubillosLeiva.jpg Admiral Hernán Cubillos Leiva 1962 1964 Navy Commander-in-chief
Admiral Jacobo Neumann Etienne 1964 1966 Navy Commander-in-chief
Admiral Ramón Barros González 1966 1968 Navy Commander-in-chief
File:FPortaAngulo.jpg Admiral Fernando Porta Angulo 1968 1970 Navy Commander-in-chief
Admiral Hugo Tirado Barros 1970 1970 Navy Commander-in-chief
Admiral Raúl Montero Cornejo 1970 1973 Navy Commander-in-chief
Admiral José Toribio Merino Castro 1973 1990 Navy Commander-in-chief
Admiral Jorge Martínez Busch 1990 1997 Navy Commander-in-chief
Admiral Jorge Arancibia Reyes 1997 2001 Navy Commander-in-chief
Admiral Miguel Ángel Vergara Villalobos 2001 2005 Navy Commander-in-chief
File:RCodina.jpg Admiral Rodolfo Codina Díaz 2005 Present Navy Commander-in-chief

Historical units

Additional information

References

  1. ^ "World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, Aviation Week & Space Technology, January 15 2007.
  2. ^ The Chilean Navy purchases EADS CASA C-295 aircraft. 18 October, 2007.
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