La Argentina became the navy's public face through overseas cruises, international events, and showing-the-flag visits. She often functioned as a de facto flagship even while two older pre-First World War dreadnoughts remained in service. The ship best suited to representing the state abroad did not have to be the most senior vessel in the battle fleet. Her main battery's wide fields of fire reinforced the cruiser's visible combat credibility.
Chapter · 19:02-20:08
A cruiser as Argentina's public naval face
La Argentina became a visible symbol of Argentine naval presence despite the continued existence of larger battleships.