View source for Colombian Navy

{{short description|Maritime branch of Colombia's military}}
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name=Colombian Navy
|native_name={{lang|es|Armada de la República de Colombia}}
|image=Escudo Armada Nacional de Colombia.svg
|caption=Coat of arms of the Colombian Navy
|start_date=July 24, 1823<ref>{{cite news |title=Colombia's National Navy turns 190 years old |url=https://www.colombia.co/en/colombia-country/history/colombias-national-navy-turns-190-years-old/ |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=24 July 2013}}</ref>
|country={{flag|Colombia}}
|type=[[Navy]]
|role= [[Naval warfare]]<br>Protection of the seas and rivers of Colombia
|size=35,086 {{As of|2013|9}}<ref name="logrosPISDP2013"/><br/>~13,000 Officers & sailors<br/>~22,000 [[Colombian Naval Infantry|Marine Infantry]]
|command_structure=
|current_commander= Admiral [[Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados]] 
|ceremonial_chief=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|nickname=
|patron=
|motto=Plus Ultra ({{langx|la|further beyond}})
|colors=
|march= ''"Viva Colombia, soy marinero"''
|mascot=
|battles= [[Battle of Lake Maracaibo]]<br/>[[Thousand Days War]] (Civil war)<br/> [[Colombia-Peru War]]<br/> [[World War II]]<br/> [[Korean War]]<br/> [[Colombian Armed Conflict]]<br/> [[Operation Atalanta]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2015/03/10/noticia-armada-comlombiana-operacion-multinacional-atalanta2015.html|title=Colombia se une a la operación multinacional Atalanta-2015 - Noticias Infodefensa América|last=Infodefensa.com|date=9 March 2015|website=infodefensa.com|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706233040/http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2015/03/10/noticia-armada-comlombiana-operacion-multinacional-atalanta2015.html|archive-date=6 July 2017}}</ref>
|notable_commanders=[[José Prudencio Padilla]]
|anniversaries=July 24
| commander1                    = [[President of Colombia|President]] [[Gustavo Petro]]
| commander1_label              = [[President of Colombia#Commander-in-chief|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2                    = [[Iván Velásquez Gómez]]
| commander2_label              = [[Ministry of National Defense (Colombia)|Minister of Defense]]
| commander3                    = [[General officer|General Commander]] Helder Férnan Giraldo
| commander3_label              = [[General Commander of the Military Forces (Colombia)|Commander of the Military Forces]]
| commander4                    = [[Admiral]] Francisco Cubides
| commander4_label              = [[Commander|National Navy Commander]]
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[File:Naval Ensign of Colombia.svg|200px|border]]
|identification_symbol_label=Naval ensign
|identification_symbol_2=[[File:Naval Jack of Colombia.svg|200px|border]]
|identification_symbol_2_label=Naval jack
|identification_symbol_3=[[File:Flag of the Colombian Navy.svg|200px|border]]
|identification_symbol_3_label=Flag
|identification_symbol_4 =[[File:Standard of the Colombian Navy.png|200px|border]]
|identification_symbol_4_label=Standard
}}

The '''Colombian Navy''', officially the '''Colombian National Navy''' ({{langx|es|Armada Nacional de la República de Colombia}}), also known as the ''"Armada Nacional"'' or just the ''"Armada"'' in Spanish, is the naval branch of the [[Military Forces of Colombia|military forces]] of [[Colombia]]. 
The Navy is responsible for security and defence in the Colombian zones of both the Atlantic (Caribbean) and Pacific oceans, the extensive network of rivers inside the country, and a few small land areas under its direct jurisdiction.

The Colombian Navy has a strength of 35,086 personnel {{As of|2013|9|lc=y}}  including approximately 22,000 in the Marine Infantry corps.<ref name="logrosPISDP2013">{{cite web|url=http://www.mindefensa.gov.co/irj/go/km/docs/Mindefensa/Documentos/descargas/estudios%20sectoriales/info_estadistica/Logros_Sector_Defensa.pdf|title=Logros de la Política Integral de Seguridad y Defensa para la Prosperidad - PISDP - Septiembre 2013|date=September 2013|publisher=Republic of Colombia Ministry of National Defense|language=es|access-date=2013-11-22|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413195638/http://www.mindefensa.gov.co/irj/go/km/docs/Mindefensa/Documentos/descargas/estudios%20sectoriales/info_estadistica/Logros_Sector_Defensa.pdf|archive-date=2015-04-13}}</ref>

The acronym "'''ARC'''", ({{langx|es|Armada de la República de Colombia}}) is used both as the official [[ship prefix]] for all the Colombian Navy ships, as well as a common short name for the Navy itself.

== Mission ==
::<big>''"Protecting the blue of our flag"''</big>

As stated in its institutional site, the mission of the Colombian Navy is:

“''Contribute with the defense of the Nation through the effective use of flexible naval power in the maritime, river and land spaces under its responsibility, in order to fulfill the constitutional role and participate in the development of sea power and the protection of the interests of Colombians''".
<ref name="Site ARC-Mission">
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.armada.mil.co/eng/content/mission
 |title       = Mission of the Colombian Navy
 |author      = Armada Nacional de la Republica de Colombia
 |date        = July 2014
 |access-date  = 18 July 2014
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140703012148/http://armada.mil.co/eng/content/mission
 |archive-date = 2014-07-03
}}</ref>

In order to accomplish its mission, the Colombian navy establishes four strategic objectives:<ref name="Site ARC-Objectives">
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.armada.mil.co/eng/content/objectives-and-functions-0
 |title       = Objectives of the Colombian Navy
 |author      = Armada Nacional de la Republica de Colombia
 |date        = July 2014
 |access-date  = 18 July 2014
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140702065149/http://armada.mil.co/eng/content/objectives-and-functions-0
 |archive-date = 2014-07-02
}}</ref>

# Protection of the population and resources and consolidation of territorial control. 
# Neutralization of illegal drug trafficking. 
# Strategic deterrence. 
# Maritime and riverine safety.

In addition to functions of security and defense the Navy is called to participate in missions aimed to ensure the integral use of the sea by the Nation. For this purpose it must fulfill both military and diplomatic activities along with implementation and enforcement of law and order.

Its formal motto has been historically, "Plus Ultra" ({{langx|la|further beyond}}); but more recently, and as part of a public media campaign in the 2000s, the additional slogan "Protecting the blue of our flag" ({{langx|es|Protegemos el azul de la bandera}}) became known and has been adopted institutionally as well, perhaps as a result of being a more relatable catchphrase to the public than the formal Latin motto.

Its former slogan was "Sailing our pride" ({{langx|es|Navega nuestro orgullo}}).

== History ==
The history of the Colombian Navy is closely tied to, and somewhat reflects the [[history of Colombia]] itself: from its birth at the [[Colombian Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] from Spain, the subsequent ups and downs throughout a later 19th century rife with civil wars, a 20th-century where it slowly starts asserting itself only to be challenged by the [[Colombian conflict (1964–present)|internal conflict]] and drug traffic of the later decades, to a Navy that is now reaching a more mature and modern shape, much like the country it protects.

=== 19th century and origins ===
[[File:Acción del castillo de Maracaibo.jpg|left|thumb|"Acción del Castillo de Maracaibo " Painting by José María Espinosa Prieto (1796–1883)]]
The Colombian Navy celebrates its birthday on July 24, the anniversary of the [[Battle of Lake Maracaibo]] fought on July 24, 1823, which was the last large naval battle of the [[Spanish American wars of independence]] and helped cement the South American independence. But the roots of the Navy can be traced 13 years back, to 1810, just a few weeks after the [[Colombian Declaration of Independence]] of July 20, 1810. The president of the Supreme Board of Cartagena, [[José María García de Toledo]], created the Naval Command Office ({{langx|es|Comandancia General de Marina}}) by means of a decree dated September 17, 1810.  The Navy was placed under the command of Captain Juan Nepomuceno Eslava, junior son of the (former) Spanish Viceroy [[Sebastián de Eslava]]. During this period, the young navy operated mostly with small [[schooner]]s, either acquired directly or by providing [[letters of marque]] to friendly [[Sea captain|captains]] which then operated as part or on behalf of the navy. Some of these captains would obtain later renown during the independence war, like [[Luis Brión]] and [[Renato Beluche]]. This small navy was effective in limited operations intercepting Spanish ships, but was not strong enough to attack port cities, as evidenced by the failed attacks to Santa Marta (1813) and Portobello (1814).

During 1815, a Spanish army headed by [[Pablo Morillo]] besieged Cartagena, as the first step of its "Pacifying Expedition" ({{langx|es|Expedición Pacificadora}}). The five-month siege was so harsh that earned the city its title of "Heroic" ({{langx|es| La Heróica}}). The small independent navy was impotent against the large fleet commanded by Morillo, but nevertheless managed some daring actions, in particular that of Luis Brión, who attempted to run the blockade with his corvette ''Dard'' with a load of guns and powder to the city before fleeing again to Haiti.
In 1816, [[Simón Bolívar]] attempted his first campaign, the Cayos expedition, sailing from Haiti with seven schooners and [[corvette]]s: ''Bolivar'', ''Mariño'', ''Piar'', ''Constitución'', ''Brión'', ''Fénix'', and ''Conejo''.<ref name=Florez1919/>{{rp|47–48}} But this expedition fizzled out due to infighting amongst its generals shortly after the liberation of [[Margarita Island]].

It was only after the [[Bolívar's campaign to liberate New Granada|Liberation Campaign]] of 1819 that General [[Francisco de Paula Santander]] created the Naval School on June 28, 1822, and issued additional decrees for the provision of the navy. Admiral [[José Prudencio Padilla]] would go on reorganizing and building the fleet, to support Bolívar's plans for the campaign of Zulia and the complete liberation of the east. This fleet then engaged in the [[Battle of Lake Maracaibo]], which crushed the Spanish naval aspirations in South America.

In 1824 the first – and only – eight cadet officers graduated from naval school. On March 3, 1826, the Ministry of the Navy was created, with Lino de Clemente as minister. By 1826, both from bought and captured vessels, the Colombian Navy had become a respectable force, commanding a relatively large number of ships, including a [[ship of the line]], a [[frigate]], six corvettes, five [[brigantine]]s, 10 schooners, 13 [[gunboat]]s, and many minor vessels.<ref name=Florez1919/>{{rp|195}}

But the fledgling government was strapped financially, and in a decree of December 7, 1826, Bolívar decommissioned the Naval school, abolished the Ministry of the Navy, and slashed the budget for all navy and marine affairs by more than half. <ref group="n">The marine budget of 1826 was $4,809,077 pesos. The budget for 1827 was $2.026.422, apx. 42%</ref><ref name=Florez1919/>{{rp|195–196}} The Navy would not recover from this blow for almost a hundred years. The incipient navy of 1825 saw its ships slowly sold, scrapped, or abandoned, and by the late 1830s there were no more than a handful of serviceable ships, mostly assigned to the Army.

Under President [[Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera]], a sizeable naval force was acquired during 1866, with the steamers of war ''Colombia'', ''Cuaspud'' and ''Bolívar'' being purchased in England, and the ''[[USS R. R. Cuyler (1860)|Rayo]]'' acquired from America. ''Rayo'' was the largest, carrying four 9 inch guns, two smaller 30-pounders, and six torpedo launches,<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = https://books.google.com/books?id=-dsqAAAAYAAJ
 |title       = Causa contra el presidente de los Estados Unidos de Colombia: ciudadano gran jeneral Tomas Cipriano de Mosquera, i otros altos funcionarios federales
 |work        = Imprenta de la nacion, Colombia (1867), p119
 |author      = Estados Unidos de Colombia
 |year = 1867
 |access-date  = 6 May 2020
 }}</ref> and was incorporated into the Colombian fleet after accusations she was due to be delivered to Chile or Peru for the [[Chincha Islands War|war against Spain]].<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.suin-juriscol.gov.co/clp/contenidos.dll/Decretos/1866988?fn=document-frame.htm$f=templates$3.0
 |title       = DIARIO OFICIAL. AÑO III. N. 947. 11, JUNIO, 1867. PÁG. 1
 |work        = suin-juriscol
 |author      = Estados Unidos de Colombia
 |access-date  = 4 May 2020
 }}</ref> It was not to last, congress decreed the ships of the navy should be sold on June 6, 1867. The ''Rayo'' was subsequently blown onto a reef September 12, 1867<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = https://books.google.com/books?id=mxQzAAAAMAAJ
 |title       = Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: V. 6: R Through S, Appendices, Submarine Chasers, Eagle-Class Patrol Craft
 |work        = Government Printing Office (1959), p9
 |editor      = James L. Mooney
 |year = 1959
 |access-date  = 4 May 2020
 }}</ref> and ''Cuaspud'' was wrecked on her delivery voyage just eleven days later.<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82014296/1867-12-02/ed-1/seq-1/#date1=1789&index=0&rows=20&words=Cuayaspad&searchType=basic&sequence=0&state=&date2=1963&proxtext=Cuayaspad&y=0&x=0&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
 |title       = The Evansville journal. [volume], December 02, 1867, Image 1
 |work        = chronclingamercia.loc.gov
 |agency      = The Evansville Journal
 |access-date  = 6 May 2020
 }}</ref> The ''Colombia'' was sold in 1868, and the ''Bolívar'', last of Mosquera's men-of-war, sold in 1872.<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = https://sidn.ramajudicial.gov.co/SIDN/NORMATIVA/TEXTOS_COMPLETOS/94_DIARIO_OFICIAL/1872%20(2426%20a%202738)/DO.%202732%20de%201872.pdf
 |title       = DIARIO OFICIAL. AÑO VIII. N. 2732. 24, DECIEMBRE, 1872. PÁG. 1-2
 |work        = sidn.ramajudicial
 |author      = Estados Unidos de Colombia
 |access-date  = 4 May 2020
 }}</ref>

During the rest of the 19th century, there was no formal navy to speak of. Some vessels and naval units were assigned to the Army, and throughout the civil wars of the 1880s, some transport vessels were hurriedly bought, and similarly disposed of, but no formal navy appeared.<ref name=Florez1919>
{{cite book|last= Flórez|first= L.|title= Acción de la Marina Colombiana en la guerra de Independencia|trans-title= Action of the Colombian Navy during the Independence War|url= http://www.banrepcultural.org/sites/default/files/92442/brblaa14550.pdf|publisher= Estado Mayor del Ejército de Colombia|language= es|date= September 1919|access-date= 30 July 2014|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924014652/http://www.banrepcultural.org/sites/default/files/92442/brblaa14550.pdf|archive-date= 24 September 2015}}
</ref>
<ref name=Panol39>
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.cyber-corredera.de/panoles/Panol-39.htm
 |title       = Pañol de la historia #39: Una mirada retrospectiva a nuestra Marina de Guerra
 |work        = Cyber-corredera
 |author      = CA Luis Carlos Jaramillo Peña
 |access-date  = 18 July 2014
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812123720/http://www.cyber-corredera.de/panoles/Panol-39.htm
 |archive-date = 2014-08-12
}}
</ref>

On January 11, 1895, an important step was made in re-establishing the formal Colombian Navy when the three gunboats of the coastguard and the Magdalena were transferred from the Ministry of the Treasury to the Ministry of War.<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = https://sidn.ramajudicial.gov.co/SIDN/NORMATIVA/TEXTOS_COMPLETOS/94_DIARIO_OFICIAL/1895%20(9669%20a%209909)/DO.%209680%20de%201895.pdf
 |title       = DIARIO OFICIAL. AÑO XXXI. N. 9680. 15, ENERO DE 1895. PÁG. 1
 |work        = sidn.ramajudicial
 |author      = Estados Unidos de Colombia
 |access-date  = 25 May 2020
 }}</ref>

=== Early 20th century ===

By 1907, when President [[Rafael Reyes|Rafael Reyes Prieto]] created the Naval Academy, through decree 783 of July 6, 1907, only to be closed off yet again by his successor, [[Ramón González Valencia]] on December 28, 1909.

The [[Colombia–Peru War|conflict with Peru in 1932]] made the Colombian Navy reappear, this time to stay. New ships were acquired and the  ''"Escuela de Grumetes"'' (Navy Sailors School) was founded in 1934 and the ''"Escuela de Cadetes"'' (Navy Officers School) was founded in 1935. Nowadays both schools continue their work of instructing the Colombian men and women of the sea.

==== World War II ====
{{See also|Colombia during World War II#The Military Forces of Colombia|Colombia during World War II#The Battle of the Caribbean}}
[[File:Colombian destroyer Caldas in the 1940s.jpg|thumb|Colombian destroyer ''Caldas'' in the 1940s]]
During [[World War II]], Colombia initially declared its neutrality, but nevertheless leaned towards the [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] cause; between 1939 and 1941 nothing much changed either in political relations nor in the sea, as the war was seen as a mostly European issue. The Japanese [[attack on Pearl Harbor]] in December 1941 changed things somewhat and prompted Colombia to break diplomatic relations with the [[Axis powers|Axis]] countries, but not to formally declare war. By 1942 the Colombian Navy found itself performing regular patrols in the [[Caribbean Sea]]-something that was only occasionally done in the years previous to the war-due to German [[U-boat]]s marauding the [[Panama Canal]] access routes, mostly hunting for American and British vessels entering or leaving the canal.<ref>
{{cite journal
 |author      = David Bushnell
 |date        = 2 July 1995
 |title       = Colombia y la causa de los aliados en la segunda guerra mundial
 |journal     = Credencial Historia
 |issue       = 67
 |url         = http://www.banrepcultural.org/blaavirtual/revistas/credencial/julio95/julio2.htm
 |language    = es
 |access-date  = 26 April 2011
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110502031308/http://www.banrepcultural.org/blaavirtual/revistas/credencial/julio95/julio2.htm
 |archive-date = 2011-05-02
}}
</ref><br />
These German hunting runs, despite the Colombian Navy patrols, eventually resulted in the sinking of three Colombian ships during 1942–43, under circumstances that were never fully cleared up.<ref>{{cite news
 |title= La "Resolute" fue hundida por un submarino nazi?
|agency=  El Tiempo
 |date= 27 June 1986
 |url= https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uNocAAAAIBAJ&pg=1544%2C4896508
 |language     = es|access-date= 18 July 2014
 }}</ref> The three vessels were: ''Resolute'', a 52-tonne<ref  group="n">German sources rate it at 35-tonne, but Colombian archives of the time, including the diplomatic note of protest sent on June 26, 1942, via the Switzerland delegation, rate it at 52-tonne</ref><ref>{{cite news
|title= Satisfacciones morales y materiales exige Colombia del gobierno Alemán
|agency=  El Tiempo
|date= 27 June 1942
|url= https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jVoqAAAAIBAJ&pg=7012%2C357322
|language     = es
|access-date= 19 July 2014
 }}</ref> schooner sunk on June 23, 1942, by {{GS|U-172||2}};<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.uboat.net/boats/patrols/patrol_4016.html
 |title       = Patrol info for U-172, Departure 11 May 1942
 |last        = Helgason
 |first       = Guðmundur
 |website     = German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
 |access-date  = 2014-07-18
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080906190827/http://www.uboat.net/boats/patrols/patrol_4016.html
 |archive-date = 6 September 2008
}}</ref> ''Roamar'' (originally registered as ''Urious''), a 110-tonne schooner sunk on July 27, 1942, by {{GS|U-505||2}}<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.uboat.net/boats/patrols/patrol_1080.html
 |title       = Patrol info for U-505, Departure 7 Jun 1942
 |last        = Helgason
 |first       = Guðmundur
 |website     = German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
 |access-date  = 2014-07-18
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080904213009/http://www.uboat.net/boats/patrols/patrol_1080.html
 |archive-date = 2008-09-04
}}</ref> and finally, ''Rubby'', a 39-tonne schooner sunk on November 1, 1943, by the {{GS|U-516}}.<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.uboat.net/boats/patrols/patrol_1151.html
 |title       = Patrol info for U-516, Departure 4 Oct 1943
 |last        = Helgason
 |first       = Guðmundur
 |website     = German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
 |access-date  = 2014-07-18
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090107160610/http://www.uboat.net/boats/patrols/patrol_1151.html
 |archive-date = 2009-01-07
}}</ref> ''Rubby''{{'}}s sinking led to Colombia formally declaring a 'belligerent status' against Germany and the other Axis powers on November 23, 1943<ref>{{cite news
 |title= Estado de beligerancia con Alemania
 |agency=  El Tiempo
 |date= 27 November 1943
 |url= https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ODQgAAAAIBAJ&pg=1720%2C2430480
 |language     = es|access-date= 28 April 2011
 }}</ref> and as a result the Colombian Navy significantly stepped up its presence in the Caribbean after this date and throughout the rest of the war.

Perhaps the most well-known engagement of the Colombian Navy during the war occurred on March 29, 1944, as the [[Tanker (ship)|tanker]] ''MC Cabimas'' was en route from Cartagena to [[Panama City]] escorted by the [[destroyer]] ARC ''Caldas'', the latter under the command of Captain Federico Diago Díaz. Around 8:00 pm, ''Caldas'' detected the [[periscope]] of a U-boat and proceeded to engage it with cannon fire and [[depth charge]]s. Later accounts identified this U-boat as {{GS|U-154|1941|2}}. While badly shaken and perhaps damaged, ''U-154'' managed to escape, and was sunk four months later in another engagement with {{USS|Frost|DE-144|6}} and {{USS|Inch|DE-146|6}}. For his quick reaction in defence of the national seas, Captain Diago Díaz was later decorated by the Colombian government.<ref>
{{cite news
 |title       = Clave 1944 ARC Caldas hunde submarino nazi
 |agency      = El Tiempo
 |date        = 22 April 1991
 |url         = http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-176772
 |language    = es
 |access-date  = 28 April 2011
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20121003190103/http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-176772
 |archive-date = 3 October 2012
}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news
 |title= Brillante victoria de la Marina Colombiana
|agency=  El Tiempo
 |date= 31 March 1944
 |url= https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Dw4dAAAAIBAJ&pg=1588%2C2571619
 |language     = es|access-date= 18 July 2014
 }}</ref>
<ref>
{{cite journal
 |last1        = García
 |first1       = C.N. Ricardo
 |last2       = Bernal
 |date        = February 2011
 |title       = El "M.C. Cabimas", Primer buque petolero de la Armada Nacional
 |url         = http://issuu.com/revistaarmada/docs/revistaarmadaedicion98/63#
 |journal     = Revista Armada
 |publisher   = Armada de la República de Colombia
 |issue       = 98, February 2011
 |issn        = 1692-1097
 |pages       = 60–63
 |access-date  = 21 July 2014
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140730001822/http://issuu.com/revistaarmada/docs/revistaarmadaedicion98/63
 |archive-date = 2014-07-30
}}
</ref>

==== Korean War ====
[[File:TAcoma class frigates fantails Korea 1952.jpeg|thumb|left|Ships of four nations alongside the US Navy repair ship {{USS|Jason|AR-8|2}} at the [[Han River (Korea)|Han Estuary]], South Korea, 16 January 1952. The ships (L-R) are: {{HMAS|Murchison|K442|6}}, ARC ''Almirante Padilla'', {{USS|Gloucester|PF-22|6}} and [[USS Tacoma (PF-3)|ROKS ''Taedong'']].]]
Colombia was signatory to the [[Declaration by United Nations]] in 1943, and one of the original 51 signatory countries to the creation of the [[United Nations]] (UN) at the [[United Nations Conference on International Organization|San Francisco Conference]]. As such, when the [[Korean War]] erupted, and the [[UN Security Council]] issued S/RES/83 : Complaint of aggression upon the Republic of Korea<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/88%281950%29
 |title       = Complaint of aggression upon the Republic of Korea
 |author      = United Nations Security Council
 |date        = 27 July 1950
 |access-date  = 19 July 2014
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140608021534/http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S%2FRES%2F88%281950%29
 |archive-date = 2014-06-08
}}
</ref> and decided the formation and dispatch of the UN Forces in Korea, Colombia was the only sovereign country<ref group="n">[[Puerto Rico]] is also occasionally noted as another Latin American country to support the effort, but in reality, it is an [[unincorporated territory]] of the United States</ref> in Latin America that offered support, by sending a frigate (afterwards, Colombia also provided an infantry battalion). This act, and the subsequent effort and sacrifice of the Colombian troops and sailors on the defense of South Korea have made the relationship between South Korea and Colombia much closer ever since. The Colombian forces deployed in Korea became known as the [[Colombian Battalion]].

Perhaps not surprisingly, there were multiple opinions in the US about accepting this help: On the one side, the State Department wanted to make sure the UN-sponsored operation had indeed the collaboration of multiple countries, the Treasury viewed it with disbelief and worried about the underlying extra cost that such 'help' would likely represent and might need to be paid by the US in the end, and the Defense Department wanted as much external help as possible, while also losing sleep about the logistics nightmare of integrating foreign units with little knowledge of its standards and even the language. Finally, the Colombian offer was accepted, and with Government Decree 3230 of October 23, 1950, Colombia's participation becomes formal and the Navy Ops Chief would receive orders to incorporate the Colombian frigate to the Order of Battle, under the [[United States Seventh Fleet|7th Fleet's]] Task Force 95. Eventually, Colombia provided three frigates that would rotate their service throughout 1951–1955.<ref name=Rubianogroot/>

[[File:ARC Almirante Padilla (CM 51).jpg|thumb|ARC ''Almirante Padilla'' (CM 51) circa 1948.]]
The frigate ARC ''Almirante Padilla''<ref group="n">ARC ''Almirante Padilla'' was the former {{USS|Groton|PF-29|6}}</ref> took to sea on November 1, 1950<ref>{{cite news
|title= Zarpa la Fragata Padilla
|agency=  El Tiempo
|date= 1 November 1950
|url= https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NSobAAAAIBAJ&pg=3432%2C2110
|language     = es
|access-date= 18 July 2014
 }}</ref> under command of CC Julio Cesar Reyes Canal, stopping at [[San Diego, California]], for fitting and then at Hawaii for operations training with the US Navy, finally reaching its destination at the Korean coast on May 14, 1951.  ''Almirante Padilla'' performed operations with the escort groups GT95.5 and Blockade GT95.2, participated in the coastal bombardment at [[Wonsan]] and patrol runs at Wonsan, [[Seongjin]] and the islands of Cho-Do and Seok-Do; it finished its first tour on January 19, 1952.

The frigate ARC ''Capitán Tono'',<ref group="n">ARC ''Capitán Tono'' was the former {{USS|Bisbee|PF-46|6}}</ref> under command of CC Hernando Berón Victoria replaced ''Almirante Padilla'' in January, and performed patrol and coast operations also around Wonsan and Seongjin, and submarine patrol around the [[United States Fleet Activities Sasebo|Sasebo naval base]]; it received the Republic of Korea Merit medal for its support to the naval operations in the area; it finished its first tour on November 12, 1952.

The frigate ARC ''Almirante Brión'',<ref group="n">ARC ''Almirante Brión'' was the former {{USS|Burlington|PF-51|6}}</ref> under command of CC Carlos Prieto Silva formally relieved ''Capitán Tono'' in November 1952. However, it only arrived in the area by June 1953, as it had to be refitted in Japan due to some damages during its previous tour as USS ''Burlington''. It performed patrols at the same areas as its [[sister ship]]s and would finish its first tour on May 17, 1954.

An uncommon detail about the two newer frigates, ''Capitán Tono'' and ''Almirante Brión'' is that they were both already in the region after serving in World War II first with the US Navy and then the [[Soviet Navy]] under the [[Lend-Lease]] program and the secret [[Project Hula]]; they were returned to the US Navy at Japan in 1949; they sailed in the Korean theater with the US Navy during 1950–1951 before being acquired by the Colombian Navy at Japan under the [[Mutual Defense Assistance Program]] so their crews had to be sent to Japan by different means, and the ships themselves never saw the Colombian coast until their arrival to the country after the war effort in 1955, so the Colombian Navy started the campaign with only one frigate, but finished it with three.

All three frigates continued their service tours, until October 1955, and distinguished themselves in their duty along with other units from United States, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and Thailand, amongst others.<ref name=Rubianogroot>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.adeveco.org/index.php/es/museo-espanol
 |title       = Participación de la Armada Nacional de Colombia en la Guerra de Corea
 |author      = CN Mario Rubianogroot Román , Asociacion Colombiana de los Descendientes de Veteranos de la Guerra de Corea
 |date        = 2012
 |access-date  = 19 July 2014
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140726170732/http://www.adeveco.org/index.php/es/museo-espanol
 |archive-date = 2014-07-26
}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.adeveco.org/index.php/nosotros/5-la-participacion-de-colombia-en-la-guerra-de-corea
 |title       = La Participacion de Colombia en la Guerra de Corea
 |author      = Asociacion Colombiana de los Descendientes de Veteranos de la Guerra de Corea
 |date        = 2012
 |access-date  = 19 July 2014
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20141024052039/http://www.adeveco.org/index.php/nosotros/5-la-participacion-de-colombia-en-la-guerra-de-corea
 |archive-date = 2014-10-24
}}</ref>
<ref>
{{Citation
 |year              = 2008
 |title             = Guia de Estudio Historia Militar III
 |publisher         = Escuela Militar de Cadetes General Jose Maria Cordova, Ejercito de Colombia
 |location = Bogota
 |page              = 100 & ss
 |url               = https://escuelamilitar-liderazgo.wikispaces.com/file/view/GUIA+DE+ESTUDIO+HIST+MIL+III.doc
 |access-date        = 19 July 2014
 |url-status           = live
 |archive-url        = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031235/https://escuelamilitar-liderazgo.wikispaces.com/file/view/GUIA+DE+ESTUDIO+HIST+MIL+III.doc
 |archive-date       = 2016-03-04
}}
</ref>
<ref>
{{Citation
| year       = 2013
| title      = United Nations Participants in the Korean War
| author     = Edwards, Paul M.
| publisher  = McFarland
| page       = 80 & ss
| isbn = 9780786474578
| url        = https://books.google.com/books?id=zSOXAAAAQBAJ&q=colombian+frigate+in+Korea+war&pg=PA80
| access-date = 19 July 2014}}
</ref>

=== 21st century ===

====Anti-piracy operations in the Horn of Africa====
{{further|Piracy in Somalia}}

On 27 July 2015, the Colombian [[offshore patrol vessel]] ARC ''7 de Agosto'' set sail from the port city of [[Cartagena de Indias]] to take part in both [[Operation Atalanta]] and [[Operation Ocean Shield]]. During the operations, the Colombian Navy monitored over 400 watercraft near the coast of Somalia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com|title=#ARCenAtalanta|website=atalantacolombia.blogspot.com|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20151125094708/http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/|archive-date=25 November 2015}}</ref> The operations also saw an opportunity for the Colombian Navy patrol vessel to perform naval exercises with other navies taking part in the surveillance efforts; amongst them where ''Hyanë'' and ''Erfurt'' of the [[German Navy]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/search/label/Maniobras%20Navales?updated-max=2015-10-26T05:29:00-07:00&max-results=20&start=3&by-date=false |title=#ARCenAtalanta : Maniobras Navales |access-date=2015-11-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125170623/http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/search/label/Maniobras%20Navales?updated-max=2015-10-26T05:29:00-07:00&max-results=20&start=3&by-date=false |archive-date=2015-11-25 }}</ref> {{ship|Spanish ship|Galicia|L51|2}}, {{ship|Spanish frigate|Victoria|F82|2}}, and {{ship|ESPN|Meteoro|P-41|2}} of the [[Spanish Navy]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/2015/10/11-de-octubre-encuentro-fragata.html|title=#ARCenAtalanta : Encuentro Fragata "Victoria" de la Real Marina de España - 11 de Octubre|last=Operaciónatalantacolombia|date=26 October 2015|website=atalantacolombia.blogspot.com|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20151125064046/http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/2015/10/11-de-octubre-encuentro-fragata.html|archive-date=25 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/2015/10/encuentro-con-el-buque-espanol-bam.html|title=#ARCenAtalanta : Encuentro con el buque español BAM "Meteoro" - 06 de Septiembre|last=Operaciónatalantacolombia|date=2 October 2015|website=atalantacolombia.blogspot.com|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20151127043727/http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/2015/10/encuentro-con-el-buque-espanol-bam.html|archive-date=27 November 2015}}</ref> the destroyer {{ship|JS|Akizuki|DD-115|6}} of the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/2015/11/15-de-octubre-ejercicios-navales.html|title=#ARCenAtalanta : Ejercicios navales destructor japonés DD "Akizuki" - 15 de Octubre|last=Operaciónatalantacolombia|date=7 November 2015|website=atalantacolombia.blogspot.com|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20151126040138/http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/2015/11/15-de-octubre-ejercicios-navales.html|archive-date=26 November 2015}}</ref> and {{HDMS|Absalon|L16|6}} of the [[Royal Danish Navy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/2015/11/18-de-octubre-mensaje-del-comandante.html|title=#ARCenAtalanta : Mensaje del Comandante del buque danés "Absalon" - 18 de Octubre|last=Operaciónatalantacolombia|date=7 November 2015|website=atalantacolombia.blogspot.com|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20151127065655/http://atalantacolombia.blogspot.com/2015/11/18-de-octubre-mensaje-del-comandante.html|archive-date=27 November 2015}}</ref> While stationed on [[Victoria, Seychelles|Victoria]], [[Seychelles]], the crew aboard ARC ''7 de Agosto'' also instructed and shared information, with members of the [[Seychelles Coast Guard]] and Maritime Police, on structural and naval operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2015/10/13/noticia-agosto-armada-colombiana-entrena-marina-islas-seychelles.html|title=La OPV colombiana '7 de Agosto' instruye a la Marina de las Islas Seychelles - Noticias Infodefensa América|last=Infodefensa.com|date=13 October 2015|website=infodefensa.com|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910011920/http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2015/10/13/noticia-agosto-armada-colombiana-entrena-marina-islas-seychelles.html|archive-date=10 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.webinfomil.com/2015/10/el-arc-7-de-agosto-finaliza-las.html|title=El ARC 7 de Agosto finaliza las operaciones de seguridad marítima en África|website=www.webinfomil.com|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131200755/http://www.webinfomil.com/2015/10/el-arc-7-de-agosto-finaliza-las.html|archive-date=31 January 2018}}</ref>

=== Engagements and Conflicts ===
* [[Battle of Lake Maracaibo]]
* [[Thousand Days War]] (Civil war)
* [[Colombia-Peru War]]
* [[World War II]]
* [[Korean War]]
* [[Colombian Armed Conflict]]
* [[Operation Atalanta]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2015/03/10/noticia-armada-comlombiana-operacion-multinacional-atalanta2015.html |title=Colombia se une a la operación multinacional Atalanta-2015 |date=10 March 2015 |publisher=infodefensa.com |access-date=14 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312164722/http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2015/03/10/noticia-armada-comlombiana-operacion-multinacional-atalanta2015.html |archive-date=12 March 2015 }}</ref>
* [[Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa]]
**[[Operation Ocean Shield]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elcolombiano.com/fuerzas-militares-pueden-enfrentar-cualquier-amenaza-interna-o-externa--mindefensa-KF2214873|title="Fuerzas Militares pueden enfrentar cualquier amenaza interna o externa": Mindefensa|website=elcolombiano.com|date=28 June 2015 |access-date=1 May 2018}}</ref>

==Organization==
The Navy is part of the executive branch of the Colombian Government, the [[President of Colombia]] being the commander-in-chief of all military forces, via the civilian [[Ministry of National Defense (Colombia)|Minister of Defense]], and the General Commander of Military Forces ({{langx|es|Comandante General Fuerzas Militares}}), who is a senior officer appointed by the president from any of the 3 services (Army, Aerospace Force or Navy). The most senior officer organic to the Navy is the Commander of the Navy ({{langx|es|Comandante de la Armada Nacional}}).

=== Forces and Commands ===
The Colombian Navy operates with 8 specialized forces or commands across the territory:
* '''[[Colombian Naval Infantry|Marine Infantry Command]]''': Land, amphibious and riverine operations across all territory.
* '''Naval Force of the Pacific''': Surface and submarine defense and patrol of the Colombian Pacific sea.
* '''Naval Force of the Caribbean''': Surface and submarine defense and patrol of the Colombian Caribbean sea.
* '''Naval Force of the South''': Riverine operations across the Southern and Southeastern areas of the country.
* '''Naval Force of the East'''<ref name="the National Armada">{{cite web|url= http://www.armada.mil.co/es/content/fuerzas-y-comandos|title= Forces and commands|language= es|publisher= armada.mil.co|access-date= 10 March 2014|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140208012034/http://armada.mil.co/es/content/fuerzas-y-comandos|archive-date= 8 February 2014}}</ref>
* '''[[Comando de Guardacostas]]''': Maritime security, control, monitoring and interdiction in both Caribbean and Pacific seas.
* '''[[#Aircraft|Navy Aviation Command]]''': Naval air support, surveillance, transport and logistics and Search and Rescue.
* '''Specific Command of San Andres y Providencia''': Surface and submarine defense and patrol of the Colombian Caribbean sea around the San Andres Archipelago.

=== Naval educational institutions ===
Along with the 7 operational commands above, the Colombian Navy maintains 3 major training schools for its personnel:
* Naval Academy:  Escuela Naval de Cadetes "Almirante Padilla"
* Navy NCO School: ''Escuela Naval de Suboficiales ARC Barranquilla''
* Marine Infantry Basic School: ''Escuela de Formación Infantería de Marina''

The Navy also has 12 other post graduate schools aimed at sharpening and intensifying the needed capacities and personnel of the various naval services and the Marine Corps.

=== Operating Bases ===
[[File:Colombian Navy (ARC) Major bases.svg|thumb|Major naval bases of the Colombian Navy<br/>{{Color box|#00deff|border=darkgray}} Exclusive Economic Zone<br/>[[File:Colombian Navy (ARC) Navy Sleeve Insignia Icon.svg|16px]] Navy: Naval, Riverine and Primary Operating bases<br/>
[[File:Colombian Navy (ARC) Marine Infantry Sleeve Insignia Icon.svg|16px]] Marine Infantry: Primary base and training school]]
The ARC maintains a number of major bases in both Caribbean and Pacific littorals, as well as multiple operational riverine bases scattered over the territory. <br/>
The principal naval bases are:
* Naval Base ''ARC Bolívar'' (BN-1), near [[Cartagena, Colombia|Cartagena]], {{coord|10|24|42.91|N|75|32|55.62|W|region:CO|name=Naval Base ''ARC Bolívar'' (BN-1)}}
* Naval Base ''[[Malaga Naval Base, Colombia|ARC Bahía Málaga]]'' (BN-2), near [[Buenaventura, Colombia|Buenaventura]],  {{coord|3|58|8.64|N|77|19|1.09|W|region:CO|name=Naval Base ''ARC Bahía Málaga'' (BN-2)}}
* Naval Base ''ARC Leguízamo'' (BN-3), near [[Puerto Leguízamo]], {{coord|0|12|10.92|S|74|46|37.29|W|region:CO|name=Naval Base ''ARC Leguízamo'' (BN-3)}}
* Naval Base ''ARC San Andrés'' (BN-4), at [[San Andres y Providencia|San Andrés]], {{coord|12|31|31.16|N|81|43|48.61|W|region:CO|name=Naval Base ''ARC San Andrés'' (BN-4)}}
* Naval Base ''ARC Puerto Carreño'' (BN-5), near [[Puerto Carreño]], {{coord|6|10|43.63|N|67|28|54.49|W|region:CO|name=Naval Base ''ARC Puerto Carreño'' (BN-5)}}
some of the more important operational bases are:
* Riverine and Coast Guard Post, near [[Tumaco]], {{coord|1|48|43.56|N|78|45|59.33|W|region:CO|name=Riverine and Coast Guard Post, Tumaco}}
* Riverine and Marine Infantry Post, near [[Leticia, Colombia|Leticia]], {{coord|4|12|48.25|S|69|56|46.23|W|region:CO|name=Riverine and Marine Infantry Post, Leticia}}
* Riverine and Marine Infantry Post, near [[Puerto Berrío]] {{coord|6|29|27.32|N|74|23|44.91|W|region:CO|name=Riverine and Marine Infantry Post, Puerto Berrío}}
* Riverine and Marine Infantry Post, near [[Puerto Carreño]] {{coord|6|10|43.63|N|67|28|54.49|W|region:CO|name=Riverine and Marine Infantry Post, Puerto Carreño}}
* Riverine and Marine Infantry Post, near [[Puerto Inírida]] {{coord|3|52|7.35|N|67|55|43.41|W|region:CO|name=Riverine and Marine Infantry Post, Puerto Inírida}}

The Colombian Navy also plans to establish a naval base in [[Antarctica]], to be called the "Almirante Padilla Summer Scientific Station".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thecitypaperbogota.com/features/colombias-navy-plans-to-establish-permanent-base-on-antarctica/18932 |title=Colombia's Navy plans to establish permanent base on Antarctica |date=February 2, 2018 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |publisher=The City Paper Bogotá |quote=The Colombian Navy – Armada Nacional – will test icy waters after announcing plans to establish a naval base on Antarctica. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208184933/https://thecitypaperbogota.com/features/colombias-navy-plans-to-establish-permanent-base-on-antarctica/18932 |archive-date=February 8, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.janes.com/article/77703/colombia-to-acquire-oceanographic-vessel-for-antarctic-expeditions?from_rss=1 |quote=A 24 January Ministry of Defence statement revealed plans to construct Colombia’s first scientific base in Antarctica, to be named Almirante Padilla. |publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]] |title=Colombia to acquire oceanographic vessel for Antarctic expeditions |first=Alejandro |last=Sanchez |date=February 7, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208064502/http://www.janes.com/article/77703/colombia-to-acquire-oceanographic-vessel-for-antarctic-expeditions?from_rss=1 |archive-date=February 8, 2018 }}</ref>

==Personnel==
In 2013, the Colombian Navy had approximately 35,000 personnel, including roughly 22,000 Marine Infantry, 8,000 sailors and NCOs, 2,500 officers, 1,300 personnel in training and some 2,000 civilians (these usually deployed to specialty technical or medical posts).<ref name="logrosPISDP2013"/>

=== Ranks & Insignias ===
{{further| Military ranks of the Colombian Armed Forces| Colombian Marine Infantry#Ranks & Insignias}}
The tables below display the rank structures and rank insignias for the Colombian Navy personnel.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.armada.mil.co/index.php?idcategoria=193
 |title       = Insignias de la Armada
 |author      = Armada Republica de Colombia
 |date        = 2006
 |language    = es
 |access-date  = 23 April 2011
 |url-status  = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110928130342/http://www.armada.mil.co/index.php?idcategoria=193
 |archive-date = 2011-09-28
}}</ref><ref name="Ley-1405-2010">
{{cite web
 |url=http://www.secretariasenado.gov.co/senado/basedoc/ley/2010/ley_1405_2010.html 
 |title=Ley 1405 de 2010 Nuevos Grados Militares 
 |author=Congreso de la República de Colombia 
 |date=28 July 2010 
 |language=es 
 |access-date=26 April 2011 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724153456/http://www.secretariasenado.gov.co/senado/basedoc/ley/2010/ley_1405_2010.html 
 |archive-date=2011-07-24 
}}</ref><ref group="n" name="no-NATO">Colombia is not a member of [[NATO]], so there is not an official equivalence between the Colombian military ranks and those defined by NATO. The displayed parallel is approximate and for illustration purposes only.</ref>

===Officers===
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OF/Colombia}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
!Abbr.
| colspan=2| -
| colspan=2| ALM
| colspan=2| -
| colspan=2| VALM
| colspan=2| CALM
| colspan=2| CN
| colspan=2| CF
| colspan=2| CC
| colspan=2| TN
| colspan=3| TF	
| colspan=3| TK
| colspan=12| -
|}

===Enlisted===
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/Colombia}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
!Abbr.
| colspan=3| SJTCC
| colspan=3| SJTC
| colspan=2| SJT
| colspan=2| SJ	
| colspan=6| S1
| colspan=6| S2
| colspan=4| S3
| colspan=2| MA1
| colspan=6| MA2
| colspan=2| -
|}

== Equipment ==

=== Ships ===
{{further| List of active ships of the Colombian Navy|List of decommissioned ships of the Colombian Navy}}
[[File:ARC Almirante Padilla.jpg|thumb|ARC ''Almirante Padilla'' (FM-51)]]
[[File:ARC Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera.jpg|thumb|link=ARC Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera|[[ARC Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera|ARC ''Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera'' (NF-613)]] in Cartagena]] 
In keeping with its three major operational scenarios: blue-water operations, littoral/riverine operations and coast guard, the ARC maintains a mix of ships suited to each of those profiles. The scope of its operation has been historically oriented towards lightly armed coastal patrol, and as such, the majority of its vessels had been usually mid-size [[Cutter (ship)|cutters]]. Traditionally, the ARC has had strong ties to the American and German navies and shipbuilders and much of its equipment traces its roots to them.<br/>
Similar to other navies in the Latin-American region, the Colombian Navy acquired many vessels in the postwar years of the 1950s and 1960s, usually as war surplus from the US Navy, and then went through a somewhat dormant period during the 1960s to 1980s, during which few major acquisitions were performed.

In more recent years, the Colombian Navy has seen two major periods of upgrading and modernization of its equipment: <br/>
The first period, as a result of the rise of the drug trade in the late 1970s and 1980s as well as, at the time, increased political tensions in the Caribbean due to territorial disputes with some of its neighbors -with Nicaragua over the [[San Andres (island)|San Andres archipelago]] and with Venezuela over the [[Los Monjes Archipelago]]- saw the need for a stronger Caribbean patrol force, and resulted in the acquisition of its biggest vessels to date, four missile corvettes (later upgraded to light frigates) in 1983 as well as some additional patrol craft.

The second period, as a consequence of the deepening in the internal [[Colombian armed conflict (1964–present)|Colombian conflict]], started in the late 1990s and extended over to 2005–2006, provided strengthening of its riverine and littoral capabilities, involving research and development for new indigenous designs in collaboration with the state-owned [[Cotecmar]] shipyards that resulted in new types of vessels such as the state-of-the-art Riverine Support Patrol Boats ({{langx|es|Patrullera de Apoyo Fluvial, "PAF"}}), also called "riverine mothership" ({{langx|es|Nodriza Fluvial}}) like {{ship|ARC|Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera}} (NF-613) which have drawn the eye of other navies with similar requirements.

Currently, the ARC is working on additional medium and long-term programs, including the development and acquisition of a number of coastal patrol vessels (Fassmer CPV-40)
{{refn|Some sources have cited the acquisition of up to 4 CPV-40 vessels,<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.infodefensa.com/?noticia=las-fuerzas-armadas-de-colombia-estrenan-nuevo-armamento
 |author      = Infodefensa.com
 |title       = Las Fuerzas Armadas de Colombia estrenan nuevo armamento
 |language    = es
 |access-date  = 23 April 2011
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20111009004448/http://www.infodefensa.com/?noticia=las-fuerzas-armadas-de-colombia-estrenan-nuevo-armamento
 |archive-date = 9 October 2011
}}
</ref> however, as of April 2011, only one has been confirmed launched,<ref name="cpv40 launch"/> and budgetary constraints may change this number in the future.||group="n"}}<ref name="cpv40 launch">
{{cite web |url=http://www.fassmer.de/index.php?id=321 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105183020/http://www.fassmer.de/index.php?id=321 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 January 2013 |title=Launching of Colombian Navy 40m Coastal Patrol Vessel (CPV40) |author=Fassmer Shipbuilding |access-date=23 April 2011 }}
</ref> in 2011–2012, two oceanic patrol vessels (Fassmer OPV-80) (2011–2013),<ref name="porque OPV"/> and the research and development of an indigenous corvette or frigate-class vessel (''"Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie"''), planned towards 2018–2020.<ref name="porque OPV"></ in 2011–2012 Colombian Navy introduced ARC 20, First ship built in Colombia by COTECMAR />

{{cite journal
 |author      = Fr.Cpt. Germán H Locarno
 |date        = October 2010
 |title       = Porqué un OPV para la ARC?
 |journal     = Revista Armada
 |issue       = 97
 |language    = es
 |issn        = 1692-1097
 |access-date  = 24 April 2011
 |url         = http://www.armada.mil.co/?idcategoria=772991
 |url-status  = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110928130359/http://www.armada.mil.co/?idcategoria=772991
 |archive-date = 2011-09-28
}}</ref>

7 October 2011, [[South Korea]] is to donate a recently retired {{Sclass|Pohang|corvette|2}} to [[Colombia]] as part of a drive to boost arms exports to the [[South American]] region. ''An-Yang'' (PCC-755) was [[Ship commissioning#Ship decommissioning|decommissioned]] by the [[Republic of Korea Navy]] (RoKN) on 29 September, having been active for some 28 years since entering service in 1983.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2344:colombia-navy-granted-ex-s-korean-missile-corvette&catid=3:asia&Itemid=56 |title=Colombia; Navy granted ex-S. Korean missile Corvette |author=Defense Market Intelligence |access-date=8 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215151953/http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2344:colombia-navy-granted-ex-s-korean-missile-corvette&catid=3:asia&Itemid=56 |archive-date=15 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>[[Donghae class corvette]]</ref>

In September 2022, the Colombian Navy signed a contract for the design & construction of 5 new frigates as part of the PES programma with Cotecmar shipyard and Damen Shipyards based on the [[Sigma-class design|SIGMA10514]] design for delivery from 2026 onwards <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6980678706964918272/ | title=COTECMAR on LinkedIn: #SeguimosAvante #Cotecmar #Colombia }}</ref>

=== Aircraft ===
[[File:Roundel of Colombia – Naval Aviation.svg|thumb|100px|Colombian Naval Aviation roundel.]]
[[File:US Navy 070901-N-1713L-047 A Panamanian airman guides a Colombian CN-235 aircraft onto the tarmac at Tocumen International Airport as part of the Combined Forces Air Combatant Command during PANAMAX 2007.jpg|thumb|Colombian CN-235 aircraft at Panama Tocumen International Airport during PANAMAX 2007]]
The Navy Aviation Command operates approximately 17 fixed and rotary wing aircraft for naval surveillance and patrol, Search and Rescue (SAR), and logistical support of naval facilities and operations.

{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="width:75%; border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;" 
! colspan="6"|Colombian Navy – Aircraft<ref name="service">[http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/world-air-forces-2013-101015.aspx World Air Forces 2013] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102174152/http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/world-air-forces-2013-101015.aspx |date=2013-11-02 }} - Flightglobal.com, pg 13, December 11, 2012</ref>
|-
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Aircraft 
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Origin 
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Versions 
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|In service 
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#CCCCCC"|Fixed Wing
|-
| [[CASA C-212|CASA C-212 Aviocar]] || {{ESP}} / {{IDN}}|| Transport || C-212-100 || 1 || 
|-
| [[CASA CN-235]] || {{ESP}} / {{IDN}}|| Maritime patrol || || 3 || 
|-
| [[Cessna 208B Grand Caravan|Cessna 208]] || rowspan="2" | {{USA}} || utility || || 2 ||
|-
| [[Beechcraft Super King Air]] || Transport || King Air 350 || 1 ||
|-
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#CCCCCC"| Rotary Wing
|-
| [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey]] || rowspan="2" | {{USA}} || Transport helicopter || || 5 || 
|-
| [[Bell 412|Bell 412HP]] || Utility helicopter || || Unknown || One lost on 6 January 2013.<ref name="AFMMAR13">{{cite book|title=[[Air Forces Monthly]]|date=March 2013|publisher=[[Key Publishing|Key Publishing Ltd]]|location=[[Stamford, Lincolnshire|Stamford]], [[Lincolnshire]]|pages=32}}</ref>
|-
| [[MBB/Kawasaki BK 117]] || {{GER}} / {{JAP}}|| Transport helicopter || || 1 || 
|-
| [[MBB Bo 105]] || {{GER}} || ASW/utility Helicopter || Bo 105CB || 2 || 
|-
| [[Eurocopter Fennec|Eurocopter AS 555 Fennec]] || {{FRA}} || Utility helicopter || AS 555 || 2 || 
|}<!-- End aircraft table -->
Bell 412 EP 4

==See also==
* [[Colombian Marine Corps|Colombian Marine Infantry]]
* [[Military Forces of Colombia]]
* [[Military ranks of the Colombian Armed Forces]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group="n"}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110524055516/http://www.armada.mil.co/ Colombian Navy Official site] {{in lang|es}}
* [http://www.mindefensa.gov.co/ Ministerio de Defensa Nacional, Colombia]—Colombian Defense Ministry Official site {{in lang|es}}
* [http://www.fuerzasmilitares.org/ Colombia: Seguridad & Defensa]—Extensive information about Colombian military forces {{in lang|es}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081202121743/http://unffmm.com/ UNFFMM página no oficial de las Fuerzas Militares de Colombia]—Unofficial fan site for the Military Forces of Colombia {{in lang|es}}

{{Navies in Latin America}}
{{Military of Colombia}}
{{Colombia topics|state=uncollapsed}}

[[Category:Colombian Navy| ]]
[[Category:Military of Colombia]]