Admiral Fernando Cabrera, commander-in-chief of the Chilean Navy, made a surprise visit to marines deployed in Los Álamos, Biobío Region, on the eve of Christmas. The aim was to greet personnel operating in the Southern Macrozone under the state of emergency to tackle insecurity. Accompanied by his wife, he delivered family letters and shared festive moments with the staff.
Admiral Fernando Cabrera arrived on December 24 in the Los Álamos commune, Biobío Region, to visit the command post of marines and sailors deployed in the Southern Macrozone. This area, encompassing the Biobío and La Araucanía regions, is under a state of emergency aimed at reducing insecurity and violent incidents.
The surprise visit allowed the commander-in-chief to connect with personnel maintaining a constant presence on the ground. Joined by his wife, Cabrera handed out letters from the families of those deployed, a gesture intended to bolster emotional ties amid the holidays. The group also savored Christmas cookies baked by the sailors themselves, fostering a sense of warmth despite the operational setting.
In the meeting, the admiral voiced his appreciation for the staff's dedication. “The Navy, I as your commander-in-chief and your families are tremendously proud and grateful for your work here, on the ground, carrying out a permanent service to Chile,” Cabrera stated. This remark highlights the institution's vital role in national security, particularly in high-conflict zones.
The Navy's deployment in the Southern Macrozone is part of broader government initiatives to stabilize the region, where public order challenges persist. The visit not only boosted the troops' morale but also emphasized institutional backing for those undertaking demanding missions away from home during Christmas celebrations.
