BOSTON, Mass. –
Uruguay, the State Partnership Program country partnered with the Connecticut National Guard, recently participated in Sail Boston events from July 10-15, 2026, in the Boston Harbor.
This multi-day event was part a major maritime celebration that brought together 50 tall ships from various countries. The Connecticut National Guard was honored to be invited by the Uruguayan Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Daniel Castillos and Capt. Gabriel Calimaris to attend an official reception on the Capitán Miranda, the Uruguayan navy training ship on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Graciously accepting the invitation was Brig. Gen. Jeff LaPierre, Director of the Joint Staff, and Maj. Patrick Montes, State Partnership Program Director, members of the Connecticut Army National Guard.
The Capitán Miranda is a historic tall ship built in 1930 in Cadiz, Spain, that originally served as a hydrographic vessel. The ship honors the memory of Capt. Francisco P. Miranda (1869–1925), who was not only a bright professional but also an exceptional teacher, particularly remembered for his research in sea subjects.
In 1977, the vessel underwent a major refit and in 1978 was rededicated as a sail training vessel for the Uruguayan navy. Its new mission is to teach newly graduated midshipmen to apply the knowledge acquired at the Naval Academy.
Calimaris, captain of the Capitán Miranda, hosted the Connecticut National Guard liaisons and was accompanied by Capt. Victor Ruiz, Uruguayan naval attaché to the United States.
The event included traditional Uruguayan barbeque (known locally as asado), wine and traditional live music. It was attended by many other naval officers from the international ships attending the Sail Boston event including Peru, Mexico, Paraguay and Germany.
This event was another opportunity for the Connecticut National Guard and Uruguay to continue to strengthen our deep and enduring relationship, spanning over 25 years through the National Guard State Partnership Program.