Navy Day is observed in Argentina every May 17, commemorating the anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Buceo, also known as the Battle of Montevideo, which took place in May 1814 during the Argentine War of Independence. This decisive naval battle saw Argentine forces, led by William Brown, successfully burn five Spanish ships and capture two, with minimal losses. Brown was later promoted to Admiral, becoming the first admiral of the Argentine Navy and earning the title "father of the Argentine navy." The Argentine Navy, part of the country's Armed Forces alongside the Air Force and Army, currently operates 42 commissioned ships, including destroyers, submarines, and amphibious support vessels. Navy Day serves to honor the contributions and history of the Argentine Navy, which has participated in various conflicts, including the Falklands War and the Gulf War.