Argentine Naval Aviation
|
Comando de Aviación Naval Argentina Argentine Naval Aviation |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1916 – present |
| Country |
 Argentina
|
| Branch | Argentine Navy |
| Type | Naval aviation |
| Size | 47 aircraft |
| Part of |
Navy Ministry of Defense |
| Engagements | Gulf War |
| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-Chief | President |
| Chief of Staff of the Navy | Admiral |
| Chief of COAN | Rear Admiral |
| Insignia | |
| Roundel |  |
| Former roundel | .svg) |
The Argentine Naval Aviation (Spanish: Comando de Aviación Naval Argentina, COAN) is the naval aviation branch of the Argentine Navy and one of its four operational commands. Argentina, along with Brazil is one of two South American countries to have operated two aircraft carriers
The acronym CANA is often used in English language bibliographies, but is not correct Spanish usage.
COAN's origin trace back to 22 October 1912 when a navy officer, Lt Melchor Escola, graduated as a pilot. On 11 February 1916 the naval air station school Fuerte Barragan was created near La Plata and the anniversary of this is marked as Naval Aviation Day. In September 1917 three naval lieutenants were sent to the US Naval Air Station Pensacola from where were deployed to Europe to participate in World War I.
COAN was officially established on 17 October 1919 as the Naval Air Service. Over the following years, the COAN operated a variety of aircraft, mainly advanced trainer types imported from the USA including the North American AT-6, the Beechcraft AT-11 and the Consolidated PBY Catalina. Sikorsky S-51 helicopters joined the service shortly after the war in 1949.
The COAN received a baptism by fire on 16 June 1955 when naval airplanes, painted with catholic crosses and blessed by priests, participated on the Bombing of Plaza de Mayo. One of the navy aircraft was shot down by an air force Gloster Meteor.
Navy pilots would see combat again during 1962 internal military fighting between factions known as Azules y colorados ( Blue and reds ), culminating in the 1963 Argentine Navy Revolt in which Navy F9F Panthers and F4U Corsairs bombed Argentine Army tanks in defense of the Navy base of Punta Indio.
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