MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Former HMS Sheffield in Punta Arenas

The latest and most modern acquisition of the Chilean Navy, “Almirante Williams”, former HMS Sheffield, arrived in Punta Arenas Wednesday greeted by a display of the local naval units stationed in the port.

"Almirante Williams" was purchased from the Royal Navy last September and after several months training left December 22 for the South Atlantic, calling in Canary Islands, Rio do Janeiro and Argentina's main naval base in Puerto Belgrano.

After a week of joint exercises with the Argentine Navy the 148 meters long gas turbine powered frigate with 20 officers and 200 crewmembers arrived in Punta Arenas, the first Chilean port of call.

Surprised and moved by the reception Captain Charles Le-May said the "Almirante Williams" built in 1988 was an enormous jump for the re-equipment of the Chilean Navy, whose surface fleet has an average age of 35 years.

"The vessel has excellent sonar, a good anti-air system, missiles and a Cougar helicopter, all of which make it a formidable vessel", underlined the captain of the "Almirante Williams".

The former Royal Navy frigate is the first unit of the "Bridge Project" with the purpose of updating the surface fleet of the Chilean Navy.

This project will be followed by the "Frigate Project" for the building of four brand new frigates, one overseas and three in Chile.

Later this year Chile will be receiving the first of two diesel powered submarines jointly built in Spanish and French shipyards.