[2] On 8 January 1980, launching the second stage of the 1979–80 austral summer campaign, the Argentine Navy's new icebreaker ARA Almirante Irízar sailed away from Buenos Aires with the mission of founding a new base on Berkner Island, on the Filchner Ice Shelf.

[1] Belgrano III was officially inaugurated on 30 January after finishing unloading of cargo with the aid of two Puma SA 330 helicopters from the Argentine Army Aviation Command.

[1] Belgrano III was shut down after 4 years of continuous service due to the fast deterioration of the ice barrier it was sitting on;[2] new, often hidden cracks and crevices endangered the on-duty personnel and material.

They were constructed of plastic material, which provided structural strength and thermal insulation at the same time, necessary features to withstand the rigorous winds and freezing temperatures prevailing in the area.

[1] Besides the usual equipment and facility maintenance duties, personnel at Belgrano III carried out various scientific projects regarding meteorology, geomagnetism and topographic surveys on the area.