Fragata Libertad Draws Thousands as Mar del Plata Opens Free Tours Through Jan. 29

Overview

• About 5,000 people toured the ship on the first full day, with lines stretching more than two blocks after storms delayed the initial opening.
• Public access runs daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with free admission through January 29, including visits to the ARA Bouchard and information stands from naval training institutes.
• The vessel is undergoing alistamiento for its next instructional deployment, with the crew at roughly 210 now and expected to rise to about 280 for the voyage.
• Reports conflict on the departure month for the 54th voyage, with one article citing April and another June, a date not yet confirmed by the Navy.
• Aboard the ship, a camaraderie lunch brought together senior naval leaders, local officials and business figures as part of the visit’s civic program.