ARC TF Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera
Encyclopedia
The ARC Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera is the sixth in a number of progressively improved heavy riverine patrol and support vessels of the Colombian Navy (Armada de la República de Colombia - ARC). Specifically, it is classified as a PAF-IV (Spanish: Patrullera de Apoyo Fluvial - Pesada - 4th generation). The ship is named in honor of the Marine Infantry Frigate Lieutenant Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera, who died in 2004 after wounds sustained in combat during operations in the Colombian eastern plains.

Background

In addition to the more common tasks of a 'blue water navy' and coast guard, the Colombian Navy (ARC) also has shared responsibility for patrolling the extensive Colombian network of rivers. During the years 2000-2005, the ARC
ARC
ARC may refer to:- Business :* African Rainforest Conservancy, an environmental nonprofit* Airport Regions Conference, a European organization of major airports* Amalgamated Roadstone Corporation, a British stone quarrying company...

 had been slowly but steadily expanding and modernizing its fleet of PAF riverine patrol vessels, and had worked with COTECMAR in the indigenous design and construction of the previous types of PAF vessels (generations I- III). By 2005, the ARC
ARC
ARC may refer to:- Business :* African Rainforest Conservancy, an environmental nonprofit* Airport Regions Conference, a European organization of major airports* Amalgamated Roadstone Corporation, a British stone quarrying company...

 commissioned COTECMAR for a new design that would include and build upon the experiences gathered with the previous generations of vessels. Some of the desired capabilities included extended range/endurance, helipad capability for provisioning and SAR/medevac, newer or upgraded offensive and defensive systems and improved support for embarked Marine Infantry units and smaller dependent patrol boats, such as the 22 ft (6.7 m). 'Piraña' and 'Anguila' boats.

The futuristic look, of ARC Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera and angled surfaces owe to the incorporation of modern design techniques in ballistic protection and marine shipbuilding, and has given source to the occasional comment about it being a 'stealth' vessel. It was designed and built by COTECMAR, a Colombian state-owned shipping design and construction company.

Service

It was launched into service in July 26, 2006

The vessel is deployed to the rivers of the Pacific coast

See also

  • Colombian Navy
  • Military of Colombia
    Military of Colombia
    The Military Forces of Colombia are the armed forces of the Republic of Colombia.-Services:The Military of Colombia consists of:* National Army of Colombia * Colombian National Armada - Marines, Navy and Coast Guard attached* Colombian Air Force...

  • Colombian conflict
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