Mexico’s only large ship makes a port in San Diego

The ARM Cuauhtémoc Sail Training Ship is now docked at the B Street Pier and open for tours. The large ship is a period replica, built in 1982 for the Mexican Navy.

Since commissioning, the ship has visited 228 ports in 73 countries, helping train Mexican sailors and sharing the goodwill of the Mexican people.

The ship, named after the last Aztec emperor, Cuauhtémoc, made its first stop in San Diego with its 261 crew members during a tricontinental training cruise.

Captain Victor Molino Pérez says his ship represents more than the Mexican Navy.

“This ship is representative not only of our institution, the Mexican Navy, but of an entire Mexican people,” Molino said in Spanish.

Mexican Consul General in San Diego Alicia Kerber Palma said the ship’s mission stands in contrast to what is too often at the forefront of our turbulent world.

“You see many conflicts all over the world. It is very important that this boat carries the message of good faith of peace and cooperation, and Mexico is a country that always spoke for peace,” she said.

But for some on the dock, this is more than a diplomatic mission. It’s a kind of homecoming. San Diegan Silvestre Garcia has not seen his brother Rafiel, part of the ship’s crew, in more than 20 years.

‘I want to hug him. Too much time without seeing him. My heart is pounding,” Garcia said.

After more than twenty years, the brothers hugged each other again for a few days on the quay, despite borders, countries and conflicts. Before the Cuauhtémoc lifts the sale and makes way for her next port.

You can visit and board the Cuauhtémoc for free until May 20 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; a gift from the Mexican government.

The ship will depart for Honolulu on May 21 and then continue its nautical journey to 13 ports in 10 countries, including Japan, South Korea, China, Australia and Tahiti.