The Armada Republica Argentina (ARA) is the navy of Argentina. Born as a result of the May 25th, 1810 revolution, it was not until 1814, under the leadership of Lt. Colonel (Navy) William Brown when it became a decisive player in the fight for independence from Spain.

In the late 19th century, the Armada Argentina began modernizing itself.

Although Argentina remained neutral in both world wars, the Argentine Navy was a force to be reckoned with. In the postwar period, Naval Aviation and Marine Corps units were created and developed. Along with Brazil, Argentina is one of the two South American countries that have operated two aircraft carriers effectively.

Despite the regional power of the Argentine navy, it was proved wholly ineffective against the Royal Navy during the Falklands War. Despite leading the invasion of the Falkland Islands, the Argentine navy played a small part in the subsequent conflict with the Royal Navy. After HMS Conqueror sank the ARA General Belgrano, the navy's fleet dared not venture from a 12 mile coastal limit imposed by the British lest they too were attacked by the Royal Navy's fleet of nuclear powered submarines.

The only naval success of the war was the fleet air arms use of Exocet missiles, sinking the HMS Sheffield and the Atlantic Conveyor.

Sea Fleet

• 4 (+1) Destroyers (DDG)
• 8 (+1) Frigates (FFG) (see MEKO)
• 6 Corvettes (also see MEKO)
• 1 Supply ship (AOR)
• 1 Amphibious Command Ship (LCC)
• 1 Assault Transport (LKA)
• 1 Icebreaker (AGOS)

Auxiliary Ships

Naval Aviation

• 1 Fighter Attack Sqn.
• 1 Light Attack Sqn.
• 3 Helicopter Sqns.
• 1 Transport Sqn.
• 1 Liaison Flt.
• 1 Training/Light Attack Sqn.
• 1 Antisubmarine Warfare Squadron
• 1 Patrol Squadron

Marine Corps

• 4 Infantry Battallions
• 1 AMTRAC Batallion
• 1 Comand & Support Batallion
• 1 Anti Air Arty Bn.
• 1 Field Arty Bn.
• 1 Special Operations Group (Amphibious Commandos)
• 1 Communications Bn.
• 2 Security Bn.

Auxiliary Units

Submarine Force

• 3 Diesel Submarine
• 1 Special Forces Group (Tactical Divers)
• 1 Rescue Ship
• 1 Patrol Boat

Ranks

Enlisted Men and Non-Commissioned Officers

• Marinero 2do (Seaman 2nd Class - USN Seaman Recruit)

• Marinero 1ro (Seaman 1st Class - USN Seaman Apprentice)

• Cabo Segundo (Corporal 2nd Class - USN Seaman)

• Cabo Primero (Corporal 1st Class - USN Petty Officer 3rd Class)

• Cabo Principal (Lance Corporal - USN Petty Officer 2nd Class)

• Suboficial Segundo (NCO 2nd Class - USN Petty Officer 1st Class)

• Suboficial Primero (NCO 1st Class - USN Chief Petty Officer)

• Suboficial Principal (Senior NCO - USN Senior Chief Petty Officer)

• Suboficial Mayor (Master NCO - USN Master Chief Petty Officer)

Officers

• Guardiamarina (Midshipman - 1st. commissioned rank, no USN equivalent)

• Teniente de Corbeta (Corvette Lieutenant - USN Ensign)

• Teniente de Fragata (Frigate Lieutenant - USN Lieutenant J.G.)

• Teniente de Navío (Warship Lieutenant - USN Lieutenant)

• Capitán de Corbeta (Corvette Captain - USN Lieutenant Commander)

• Capitán de Fragata (Frigate Captain - USN Commander)

• Capitán de Navío (Warship Captain - USN Captain)

• Comodoro de Marina (Navy Commodore - Rear Admiral Lower Half)

• Contraalmirante (Rear Admiral - USN Rear Admiral Upper Half)

• Vicealmirante (Vice Admiral - USN Vice Admiral)

• Almirante (Admiral - USN Admiral)

Links

• Official website