Chilean Antarctic Expedition

The First Chilean Antarctic Expedition (1947–1948) was an expedition to Antarctica mounted by the Chilean government and military to enforce its territorial claims against British challenges, namely Operation Tabarin.

[1] Among other accomplishments the expedition established Base General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme on February 18, 1948.

Chilean President Gabriel González Videla personally inaugurated the base, thereby becoming the first head of state to set foot on the continent.

[2] The inactive research station González Videla Antarctic Base is named in his honor.

[citation needed] The expedition was led by Commodore Federico Guesalaga Toro.