Ruptly
"Colombian President Gustavo Petro led the traditional naval christening ceremony on March 27 in Cartagena to put into service 'ARC 24 de Julio' ship, the nation's first Ocean Patrol Vessel (POC) designed and built entirely in the country. With a length of 93 meters, this is the largest vessel built domestically to date. It is designed to operate mainly in the Caribbean Sea and was developed under the Navy project with the help of Colombian engineers and professionals. Its purpose is to carry out maritime security operations and fight drug trafficking. "This ship may innovate, it is made for various functions such as defending life at sea, but fundamentally it is made to fight against drug trafficking," Petro stated during the ceremony. He also emphasized that the development of the ship constitutes an 'industrial property for national defense'. During the event, the Navy Commander, Juan Ricardo Roso Obregon, and the ship's Godmother and daughter of the president, Antonela Petro Alcoser, carried out the traditional christening ceremony by breaking a bottle of champagne against the hull and announcing its official name. The vessel has the ability to monitor large areas of the sea, combat drug trafficking, and support security operations. It can also accommodate helicopter landings and deploy fast boats. Colombian authorities have emphasized that the ship represents a milestone in technological autonomy and maritime sovereignty, while at the same time strengthening the Navy's presence in the Caribbean and the Pacific."
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