Renovation work continues on the infrastructure of the Petrel Joint Antarctic Base (WAP ARG-17) within the framework of its reopening as a permanent Station, during the 2022/23 Summer Antarctic Campaign.
The main advances in the building recovery, are focused on the reconditioning of the rooms and the extension of the sewage network of the main house. While the total restoration of the hangar, includes the reinforcement of the electrical network.
The complete repair of the road to the Main Power Plant, the demolition of the old power plant and the bases of disused communication towers, are part of this second phase of development together with the renovation of the landing strips and the disposal of waste. antarctics
For the construction of the maritime pier, personnel from the Naval Hydrography Service are carrying out bathymetry studies on Dundee Island.
Also, Petrel Base has already inaugurated its new small Chapel named “Santo Cura Brochero”.
Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero (16 March 1840 – 26 January 1914) was a Catholic priest who suffered leprosy throughout his life. He is known for his extensive work with the poor and the sick.. He became affectionately known as “the Gaucho priest” and the “cowboy priest”.
He was beatified on 14 September 2013 after a healing was recognized as a miracle attributed to him. Cardinal Angelo Amato, on the behalf of Pope Francis, presided over the beatification. Another miracle under investigation was approved in 2016 and a date for canonization was approved in a gathering of cardinals on 15 March 2016. Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero he was canonized as a saint on 16 October 2016.
More info at: Argentina reactivates Petrel base in Antarctica | Polarjournal
The Ministry of Defense advances with the reconstruction work of the Petrel Base | Argentina.gob.ar
Dr. Carlos Court Lucero, Retired Radiologist, Medical Lieutenant of the Argentine Navy Reserve
Member of the 4th crew at the Corbeta Uruguay Scientific Station on Morrell-Thule Island, South Sandwich Islands did help to find a recent picture of the new Chapel, which will be pubblished on the Church in Antarctica section here at WAP website.
TNX Dr. Carlos