The beginnings of the Chilean Navy dates back to 1818, the same year that Chile was proclaimed an independent nation. A year before, following the Battle of Chacabuco, General Bernardo O’Higgins prophetically declared “This victory and another hundred shall be of no significance if we do not gain Sea Control”. This led to the development of Chile’s Naval Power, and the first legal resolutions outlining the Navy’s organization were promulgated. Chile’s First National Fleet was created and the Academy for Young Midshipmen (predecessor of the current Naval Academy) was founded, as well as the Marine Corps and the Supply Commissary, allowing the early Governors to have an extraordinary capability: Sea Control.
A history written
by their own members...
The Chilean Navy lifelong allegiance to its country has been shaped throughout the years by notable men who, when needed, have been ready to give their lives. The most outstanding example of this commitment is that of Commander Arturo Prat, whose name went down in history on the 21st of May 1879 for his exceptional heroism demonstrated on that day at the Naval Battle of Iquique, during the Pacific War against Peru and Bolivia. Prat, while in command of the fragile corvette “Esmeralda” and despite the inferiority of his own forces, fought to the end against the imposing Peruvian ironclad monitor “Huascar”. He valiantly chose to give his life alongside his crew rather than surrender his ship to the enemy. Prat’s act of bravery is commemorated every year on May 21st. On that day, the country pays tribute to the courage shown by Prat and his men, whose deeds motivated the nation and its military forces to victory. Throughout Chile’s naval history, other exceptional individuals have nevertheless also contributed great deeds towards the development of our Navy making it the proud and reputable institution it is today.
