Vessel retraces first circumnavigated course around the world

In 1521, our ancestors watched along the shores as the Magellan-Elcano Expedition pulled into Umatac Bay. 500 years later, meeting with mutual honor and respect, we remember the fateful events that took place that brought together Spain and the CHamoru people and witnessed another historic event: the arrival of the Juan Sabastian de Elcano. Down at the Port Authority today, the navy vessel departed to continue its journey.

As we celebrate Mes CHamoru, we must remember the elements of Guam's history that played vital roles in shaping our culture into what it is today. In 1521, the first encounter between Europe and Pacific Islanders occurred through the Magellan- Elcano Expedition. 500 years later,  the training vessel the Juan Sebastian de Elcano retraces the charted course of the first recorded circumnavigation of the world.

After its historic arrival last Friday and several days in Guam's waters, the ship will continue its journey, en route to the Philippines. Several of Guam's leaders and Spanish dignitaries gathered Tuesday morning at the Port Authority of Guam to bid a friendly farewell and safe voyage to the Elcano. Vice President of I Kumision Estoria-ta, Dr. Robert Underwood.

"Today we engage in this commemoration and anticipation of cementing a relationship which will allow all of us to grow in knowledge and understanding and contribute to the future historical imagination" Underwood announced.

In his special remarks, Spanish Navy Rear Admiral, Santiago Barber Lopez, acknowledged the CHamoru display of hospitality, both then and now as a sign of strength, values, and deserving of respect and gratitude of the Spanish.  Lopez also shredded light on the first encounter and how these elements of history will not be hidden in the shadows.

"We know how much a misunderstanding marked that first encounter causing undeserved harm to the CHamoru people we very much regret that here today we pay tribute to the CHamoru people past and present," he said.

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor presented parting gifts of a kulu, ax, and a replica of a proa crafted by local artisans to the JS de Elcano. Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said, "These are very historical they're very significant and they're very important parts items of our culture and our tradition and we ask you to remember us when you see these gifts from Guam."

While the JS de Elcano commander, Captain Santiago de Colsa Trueba, presented the gift of placard displaying an image of the ship, saying, "The motto of our ship is Primus Circumdedisti Me - it means you were the first to sail around me is what the Earth told to Juan Sebastian de Elcano which is the Spanish navigator and the name of this ship is due to him so we give this with very appreciation from our part and thank you very much."