ARA Santísima Trinidad

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The ARA Santisima Trinidad is a Type 42 destroyer, of the Armada Republica Argentina.

She was built at the Argentine AFNE shipyard and commissioned in 1980. Commissioning of the ship, whose construction began in 1973, was long delayed by a bomb attack carried out by the terrorist organization Montoneros in 1975. Santisima Trinidad's hull suffered severe damage and the ship's performance after entering service was greatly hampered as a result of the attack.

During the Falklands War, along with her sister ship Hercules, she served as the main escort to the aircraft carrier Veinticinco de Mayo.

After the war the British weapons and supplies embargo on Argentina forced the Navy to try to sell both Type 42s to another country. When the attempts failed, the Navy decided to place Santísima Trinidad in reserve as a parts supplier for Hércules. Her last Sea Dart missile launch was conducted in 1987, and Santísima Trinidad´s last cruise took place in 1989. She has not sailed since.

At present, the Santisima Trinidad is listed as "in reserve awaiting overhaul", however, it is expected that the Navy will formally decommission her. There are projects in the Argentine Congress calling for Santisima Trinidad to be converted into a floating museum.

Type 42 destroyer

Royal Navy