Minister Padrino López highlights the patriotism of the Bolivarian National Navy

Published at: 24/07/2025 11:38 AM

On July 24, the Minister for Defense, G/J Vladimir Padrino López, highlighted the historical legacy of the Bolivarian National Navy, which emerged from the struggle for independence and became a symbol of sovereignty and anti-imperialism that, thanks to the victory of the Naval Battle of Lake Maracaibo, this military component “was born in the face of imperial rule and today resolutely preserves the spaces of Blue Venezuela”.

In a statement, he highlighted Bolivarian thinking as a flag of freedom, justice and unity, reaffirming that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces are guided by the ideals of the Liberator.

“Always Loyal... Never Traitors!” , expressed as a tribute to those who keep the patriotic cause alive.

Below is the full statement:

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela message from the Minister of People's Power for Defense

July 24 shines in national thought as a milestone of profound historical and spiritual conjunctures. That day, the first breath of an immortal citizen converges with the victorious roar of the confrontation of fleets of greater significance in independence, and, consequently, the recognition of a famous institution that honors its past while forging the future. In the year 1783, Caracas hosted the birth of the only character in universal history who has deserved the title of Liberator, destined to change the course of peoples: Simon José Antonio de la Santisima Trinidad Bolivar Ponte y Palacios Blanco. The arrival to the world of the Man of Difficulties was the prelude to the awakening of a subdued region, which found in its word, action and ideology, the route to full redemption. Bolivarian thought stands today, because in addition to being a founder of Republics, he turned out to be the indelible soul of the whole of America, which still invokes him as an imperishable standard of emancipation, freedom, justice and unity.

On the same day, but in 1823, the pages of Venezuelan glory cover another extraordinary episode: the Naval Battle of Lake Maracaibo. When, on the coast of the Land of the Beloved Sun, the courageous patriots, sailors of steel, in an unparalleled act of bravery, sealed with fire and courage the definitive break with the Spanish yoke. This feat not only closed imperial rule in the territory of what was the General Captaincy of Venezuela, but it also established a new symbol of maritime sovereignty, establishing in his honor since 1946, the Day of the Venezuelan Naval Forces, the current Bolivarian Navy; a component of the FANB, born anti-colonialist and who asserts his naval power and sovereignty vocation in the face of the current threats of a post-imperialist international order in constant transformation.

Today we pay tribute to those who daily monitor, protect and build the future from the Atlantic Facade, Caribbean and river spaces of Blue Venezuela. In particular, I congratulate Admiral Ashraf Abdel Hadi Suleiman Gutiérrez, worthy helmsman of the ladies and gentlemen of the sea, whose commitment translates into tangible advances in operations, training, scientific development and collective well-being. Under its leadership, the Bolivarian Navy is moving towards a safe haven, supported by the divine protection of the Most High and the promotion of the oldest Marian image on the South American continent, the Virgin of the Valley, patron saint of sailors and fishermen. May there always be plenty of water under the keel, and may the wind last long, guiding us with wisdom to continue sailing with integrity and to deserve the blessings of our beloved Homeland.

Chavez Lives!... The Fatherland continues! Independence and Socialist Homeland!... We Will Live and Conquer! The Venezuelan Sun rises in the Essequibo! Independence or Nadal... Always Loyal... Traitors Never!

Caracas, July 24, 2025

Vladimir Padrino López General in Chief