Colombian Navy's ARC Gloria docks in Downtown Norfolk

Photo By Max Lonzanida | The Colombian Navy’s ARC Gloria docked at the City of Norfolk’s Otter Berth in Downtown Norfolk under a cloudy and overcast sky on Monday, September 17, 2018. Crew members from the USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) were on-hand to assist with line handling and safely docking the sailing vessel. (US Navy Photo by Civilian Public Affairs Officer Max Lonzanida/Released)  

VA, UNITED STATES

09.17.2018

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

Crewmembers from the USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) served as line handlers this morning in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. They aided the mooring of the Colombian Navy’s three masted sailing barque, ARC Gloria under a cloudy and overcast sky. The ship made its way down the Elizabeth River at around 11:00am, and headed towards Norfolk’s Waterside District. The entertainment venue is adjacent to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Its roughly 150 crewmembers proudly manned the rails as it was aided by tugboats towards its berth. Once the vessel docked, dignitaries were piped aboard. Also present at the ship’s docking were members of the US Customs and Border Patrol, Norfolk Police Department, prominent members of the City of Norfolk, and staff members from Festevents. Also present was a crowd of roughly 100 persons anxiously waiting for the ship to arrive.

The ARC Gloria is a training ship and the official flagship of the Colombian Navy. She is 64.7 meters long and is crewed by over 150 crewmembers; the majority of whom are cadets learning astronomical navigation, coastal navigation, and seamanship. These skills are essential for cadets to learn prior to entering the Colombian National Navy. The three masted sailing barque was commissioned in September 1968, and has been in service with the Colombian Navy for over 52 years. During the ship’s career, she has called on over 180 ports in 70 different countries. This is the ship’s only US port of call in its 2018 sailing season.

Crewmembers aboard the ARC Gloria will welcome the general public for free tours of the ship starting on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 through Friday, September 21, 2018 from 10am to 8pm daily. The ship last visited the City of Norfolk in 2012 as part of OpSail 2012. The ship’s visit is hosted by Norfolk Festevents, which is the City of Norfolk’s official event marketing agency.

About the Museum:

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at [e-mail] or at [phone]. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at [e-mail] or at [phone]. Lastly the museum proudly hosts military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at [e-mail] or call [phone].

• Date Taken: 09.17.2018
• Date Posted: 09.17.2018 13:04
• Story ID: 293086
• Location: VA, US