ARC Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera is the sixth in a number of progressively improved heavy riverine patrol and support vessels of the Colombian Navy (Armada de la República de Colombia - ARC). Specifically, it is classified as a PAF-IV (Spanish: Patrullera de Apoyo Fluvial - Pesada - 4th generation). The ship is named in honor of the Marine Infantry Frigate Lieutenant Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera,Spanish: Teniente de Fragata, Infantería de Marina (TEF IM) who died in 2004 after wounds sustained in combat against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) during operations in the Colombian eastern plains.Colombian Navy website article announces vessel launch (Spanish) .
Background In addition to the more common tasks of a blue-water navy and coast guard, the Colombian Navy (ARC) also has shared responsibility for patrolling the extensive Colombian network of rivers. During the years 2000–2005, the ARC had been slowly but steadily expanding and modernizing its fleet of PAF riverine patrol vessels, and had worked with COTECMAR in the indigenous design and construction of the previous types of PAF vessels (generations I- III). By 2005, the ARC commissioned COTECMAR for a new design that would include and build upon the experiences gathered with the previous generations of vessels.COTECMAR-Heavy riverine patrol vessel overview (Spanish) Some of the desired capabilities included extended range/endurance, helipad capability for provisioning and SAR/medevac, newer or upgraded offensive and defensive systems and improved support for embarked Marine Infantry units and smaller dependent patrol boats, such as the 'Piraña' and 'Anguila' boats.
The futuristic look of ARC Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera and its angled surfaces is due to the incorporation of modern design techniques in ballistic protection and marine shipbuilding, and has given rise to the occasional comment about it being a "stealth" vessel. It was designed and built by COTECMAR, a Colombian state-owned shipping design and construction company.
Service The vessel was launched into service on July 26, 2006.Presidential speech announcing the launch of the ship (Spanish). It is deployed to the rivers of the Pacific coast.
See also Military Forces of Colombia Colombian armed conflict (1964–present)
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