The revolutionary government had political support but few locally trained naval officers. Its commanders included Maltese privateer Juan Bautista Azopardo, the Frenchman Hippolyte Bouchard, and French officer Abel Hubac aboard América. Many local sailors could not communicate easily with these officers, complicating even basic command and discipline aboard ship. Buying vessels and hiring individual experts could not instantly create a coherent navy.
Chapter · 27:11-29:05
An improvised revolutionary fleet
Buenos Aires recruited experienced foreign officers, but language barriers and inexperienced local crews made command of its first squadron fragile.