Every May 17th, the Argentine Navy Day is commemorated in memory of the Montevideo Naval Battle of 1814, a decisive action in the struggle for South American emancipation. On that day, the patriot squadron under the command of the then naval colonel Guillermo Brown achieved a resounding victory over the royalist fleet stationed in the Banda Oriental, consolidating the ideals of the May Revolution and paving the way for the independence of the continent.

The naval victory at Montevideo represented the end of more than three centuries of Spanish domination in the waters of the Río de la Plata and made possible the advance of decisive campaigns, such as the Crossing of the Andes, led by General José de San Martín. The Liberator himself considered this battle to be ‘the most important event of the American revolution so far’.

Due to its historical relevance, 17 May was officially established as Argentine Navy Day by Decree Nº 5304 of 12 May 1960. This date not only commemorates a strategic victory, but also symbolises the birth of our National Navy and pays tribute to the courage, dedication and commitment of all those who are part of this force.

This year, on the 211th anniversary of the historic battle (1814), we salute with respect and gratitude the active, retired and pensioned military personnel of the Argentine Navy. Their daily work in the protection of the country's maritime interests reflects an exemplary vocation of service.

To remember Navy Day is to honour our history, to recognise those who forged it and to renew our commitment to the ideals of freedom and sovereignty that unite us as a Nation.

Happy Argentine Navy Day!