Navy Petty-Officers School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Navy School of Mechanics |
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Escuela de Mecánica de la Armada
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| Former names | Escuela Superior de Mecánica de la Armada |
| General information | |
| Location | Núñez, Buenos Aires |
| Country | Argentina |
| Official name | ESMA Museum and Site of Memory – Former Clandestine Center of Detention, Torture and Extermination |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | vi |
| Designated | 2023 (45th session) |
| Reference no. | 1681 |
The Higher School of Mechanics of the Navy (in Spanish: Escuela Superior de Mecánica de la Armada, often called ESMA) has changed a lot over time. It started as a training school for the Argentine Navy. The original ESMA building was in Núñez, Buenos Aires, a neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
However, from 1976 to 1983, during a time called the Dirty War, ESMA was used as a secret prison. The military government at the time held people there who they believed were against them. Many people held there were "disappeared," meaning they were taken away and never seen again. Babies born to mothers in this secret center were sometimes taken and given to other families. ESMA was the largest secret prison during this difficult period.
Today, the ESMA building is a special museum. It helps people remember those who "disappeared" during Argentina's Dirty War. In 2004, the National Congress made a law to turn the ESMA complex into a museum. It is now called the Space for Memory and for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights. In 2014, another museum, the Museo Malvinas, opened on the ESMA campus. This museum tells the story of the Falklands War, a conflict over islands claimed by both Argentina and the United Kingdom.
The original Navy school, now called Escuela de Suboficiales de la Armada (ESSA), moved in 2005. It is now located at the Puerto Belgrano Naval Base, far from Buenos Aires. In 2023, the ESMA site was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it is a place of special importance to the world.
Contents
History of ESMA
ESMA's Different Roles
The School's Beginnings
The Navy Apprentice Mechanics School began in 1897. It moved several times in its early years. In 1911, it became the Escuela de Mecánica de la Armada. In 1928, the school moved to its well-known building in Buenos Aires. This building was designed by architect Raúl J. Álvarez.
Some records say the school was founded in 1924. Land was given to the Navy by the city of Buenos Aires for this purpose. The agreement stated that if the building stopped being a military school, it would return to the city.
Each year, about 10,000 young people wanted to join the school. About half of them were accepted. They studied subjects like electronics, aeronautics, and marine engineering. Students lived at the school from Monday to Friday. They had 8 to 10 hours of classes daily. After up to three years, students earned a "technician" degree. They could then work for the Navy or in other jobs.
The main entrance of the school led to the central building. This building held the offices of the school leaders. A covered area there was used to show movies to students. To the left were homes for petty officers and officers. This officers' housing was where the secret prison operated later. To the right were guard buildings and the Naval War School.
Behind the main buildings were the student dormitories. Across a nearby avenue was the school's sports field. Students also helped guard the school's borders in shifts.
ESMA During the Falklands War
In 1982, 230 students from ESMA were called to fight in the Falklands War. Some of these students died during the war. They were on ships like the ARA Belgrano and the ARA Sobral.
In 1998, President Carlos Menem ordered the school to move. The old campus was to become a museum. The school was renamed ESSA in 1999. It continues to train Navy officers at the Puerto Belgrano base.
ESMA as a Secret Prison
Almost 5,000 people were taken and held at the original ESMA campus. This happened during the Dirty War from 1976 to 1983. Only about 150 of these people survived.
A Secret Detention Center
ESMA began to be used as a secret prison right after the military took power in 1976. On March 24, the day of the coup d'état, people were kidnapped and brought there.
A special military group, Task Unit 3.2.2, ran ESMA. Its leaders were Rear-Admiral Rubén Jacinto Chamorro and Captain Carlos Acosta Ambone. Other well-known officers involved included Jorge Eduardo Acosta and Alfredo Astiz. These officers were told not to tell anyone their real names or military roles when they took prisoners.
From 1976 to 1978, the Navy Commander-in-Chief, Emilio Eduardo Massera, was in charge. He was reportedly present when the unit was created. He also took part in some of the first illegal arrests.
Who Were the "Disappeared"?
Certain groups of people in Argentina were targeted for kidnapping. For example, many Jewish people were taken. Another group included people who might have supported a different government. If anyone was suspected of meeting secretly to oppose the military government, they could be kidnapped. This was meant to scare others who were against the government. When people were kidnapped, they were often questioned about their beliefs.
Stories from Survivors
A few people who survived ESMA have shared their experiences. They want to tell the world about the human rights problems they faced there. Their stories help others understand what happened.
Trials and Justice
Many trials have taken place to bring justice for the crimes committed at ESMA. One major trial was called "the ESMA mega-trial." It involved 63 people accused of serious human rights violations. Over 830 witnesses and 789 victims shared their stories. In 2009, a previous trial sentenced twelve people to life in prison.
In 2021, a federal court sentenced eight former Navy officers and police officers, plus one civilian. They were found guilty of crimes committed at ESMA.
Military Accounts
Some military members claimed they were just following orders. They said they were made to believe they were fighting a war against enemies. Military members did not protest the orders. They were convinced that their actions were necessary for Argentina's future.
ESMA as a Memorial Museum
Since 2004, the original ESMA building has been a memorial museum. Its purpose is to honor the memory of those who "disappeared." The museum also serves as a warning. It aims to ensure that the terrible events of the dictatorship never happen again. Argentinians feel it is important to use the museum to share the stories of those who suffered. They want to show the horrors that took place within ESMA's walls.
See also
In Spanish: Escuela de Mecánica de la Armada para niños
- Pozo de Banfield
