Creation of the Naval Air Search and Rescue Squadron (Naval Aviation)

On June 24, 1963, the Naval Air Search and Rescue Squadron was founded with the incorporation of the first three Grumman Albatros UH-16B aircraft, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Julio O. Caravaglia. This squadron was part of the Aeronaval Squadron No. 3 from 1963 to 1965, and later joined the Aeronaval Squadron No. 4, both based at the Punta Indio Aeronaval Base. On August 9, 1977, the squadron was placed in reserve at the BAPI due to the deprogramming of its aircraft, which were not replaced.

It is interesting to know some details about the incorporation of the Albatross into Naval Aviation. The Argentine Air Force made the original purchase of the three aircraft, out of a total of six, with the apparent purpose of forming an anti-submarine group and at the same time for Search and Rescue missions. A disagreement over the mission and tasks assigned to these aircraft (acquired from the USAF and reconditioned) ended with a presidential decision by Dr. Arturo Frondizi, who determined that three of the devices not equipped for anti-submarine missions would be for the Argentine Air Force, using them for Search and Rescue missions, and the remaining three would be assigned to the Navy. In 1970, a fourth HU-16B Albatros aircraft was added.

Source: History of Argentine Naval Aviation Volume I. Pablo E. Arguindeguy.

Aviones Argentinos