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ARC Arauca (Cañonero Fluvial CF)

The Riverine Gunboats (Cañonero Fluvial CF) operating in Colombia date back to 1956 and the times of the Flotilla Avispa. On October 22, 1956 the ceremony of incorporation of Cañonero Fluvial ARC ARAUCA, vessel built by Colombian technicians in the Industrial Union of Barranquilla was performed. The induction ceremony of Cañonero ARC ARAUCA, was attended by Commander the Navy, Commander Jaime Erazo Annexi, high civil and military, local and national authorities.

Although more than half a century later the situation of riverine units Marine is fully developed, within a process of historical analysis, by hosting these lines as such, it is necessary to emphasize that being born in the year of 1956 the idea of forming a "special combat force within the organization of the Navy for use in the rivers of the homeland, was no more than a project that was conceived and documented briefly presented to the superior command, but was not implemented immediately.

There were three in service: ARC Arauca, ARC Riohacha, and ARC Leticia. After 50 years of service, these units are capable of providing medical support to the troops and basic repair for the Riverine Combat Elements (Elemento de Combate Fluvial ECF). They provide troop transport for up to one platoon of marines. These units can remain autonomous for 30 days and can best serve as a Command and Control platform for continuous joint operations. Though they are used in conjunction with ECFs, these gunboats can only carry 2,000 gallons of gasoline, thus limiting the operational range of the combat elements. Their armament includes two MK-19 grenade launchers, two .50 caliber machineguns, and two cannons (40 and 50 millimeter shells).

Their greatest weakness, however, stems from their lack of maneuverability, speed, and protective armor. As such, they are extremely vulnerable when ambushed or under enemy fire, and require good intelligence and land support when trying to control riverine lines of communication (LOC).