The ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’ in Boston

After sixteen day’s runs, the Spanish Navy training ship ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’ arrived at Boston on June 16th, the last international port of call of the present training cruise.

Midshipmen and crew members participated in many social, cultural and professional activities while the ship was open to the public, welcoming more than 4,000 people during her stay.

Midshipmen visited two of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world: Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) meeting students and professors alike. They also visited the Groton Submarine Base, including a tour aboard the SSN ‘Missouri’ and the US Coast Guard Academy in New London.

A group of midshipmen and members of the ship’s company proceeded to Seavey’s Island where Portsmouth Navy Yard is located. The shipyard is tasked with the overhaul, repair and modernization of US Navy nuclear submarines.

On Friday 19th a wreath-laying ceremony took place in honor of the victims of the Battle of Santiago de Cuba (July 3rd 1898). Shortly after the battle, a prison was built, Camp Long, to confine more than 1,600 Spanish prisoners. 31 of them died as a result of the injuries and the yellow fever. They were buried with military honors but 17 years later, and upon request of the Spanish Government, the remains were exhumed and shipped back to Spain.

On Sunday, more than 40 crew members took part in the annual Boston Athletic Association 10K race, along with thousands of Bostonians.

The ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’ is currently sailing towards Marin, home of the Spanish Navy Naval Academy.