ARGENTINE IN THE ANTARCTIC CONTINENT.
Antarctica also know as the “white continent” gets its name from the Greek term Antarktikos/Anti-Arktikos, which means “in the opposite end of Arktos-Bear” the Ursa Major constellation over the North Pole, both for historical and geographic reasons, our country (Argentina) lays claim to the most settled area of the continent: The Antarctic Peninsula, a triangle whose curved base lies on latitude 60º
South, and meet at the axis in the southern pole.
Thank to the Argentine Antarctic Program, Argentina has since 1903 been carrying out unflagging effort aimed at pacific occupation, continuance and contribution to world science.
50 Years since the foundation of 94SE Esperanza (Base Hope.)
Base Esperanza is situated in the Antarctic Peninsula, founded in 1952, it was meant to lodge the first Argentine colony in the Antarctic continent.
Many years of arduous efforts had to pass before it finally became what it is today.
Offering shelter and assistance to national and international scientists performing research in the region. It is a permanent reaffirmation of Argentine’s sovereignty. In addition to the equipment and laboratories at the base, the “Sargento Cabral” bunker (or Fort), which comprises a thirteen unit complex, was built in 1977 to house the relatives of Argentine armed forces members managing the base. It has also been supplied with a day care center, kindergarten and school, built in 1978 for the children of the staff.
The 75c stamp gives a view of Base Esperanza, a map of the Antarctic Peninsula, and A.R.A. CHIRIGUANO tracking device.
Built as a fleet tug by the Levingstone Shipsbuilding Co., Orange, Texas, U.S for the U.S. Navy.
26 May 1945 launched under the name USS ATA 227, one of the six ex U.S. ATA type (Sotoyomo class) ocean salvage tugs.
Displacement 689 ton (standard)), 800 tons (full load), dim. 43.60 x 10 x 5.20m, draught 4.85m.
Powered by 2 diesel electric motors, 1.850bho, one screw, speed 15 knots.
Armament 2 – 20mm AA. Crew 50.
Completed 04 April 1946.
After she was completed and delivered to the U.S. navy she was laid up, and sold as war surplus in July 1947 for US$ 260.000 to Argentina.
Renamed A.R.A. CHIRIGUANO (A7), named after a South American Indian tribe.
1966 She was rerated as patrol vessel (avisos).
1980 She was listed as a fleet tug, and her last years she was used as a harbor tug in Puerto Belgrana Naval Base, where she ended her carrier in 1996.
Argentine 2002 75c sg?, scott?
Source: Info leaflet of Argentina Post. Watercraft Philately Vol 49 page 68. M. Rosner. D. Rodl