Almirante Domecq Garcia was acquired from the United States Navy, with which she had served as USS Braine (DD-630) (DD-630).

After minor repairs, Almirante Domecq Garcia (D-23) left California in October 1971, reaching El Callao, Argentina, in November.

In 1975, Almirante Domecq Garcia observed the British Royal Research Ship RRS Shackleton conducting oceanographic investigations in waters claimed by Argentina.

During the Falklands War in 1982, she operated near Bahia Blanca as a radar picket ship to provide early warning of British air attacks.

The logbook of the Argentine Navy patrol vessel ARA Francisco de Gurruchaga offers a different account of the fate of Almirante Domecq Garcia.