BAP Almirante Grau (FM-53)

The BAP Almirante Grau (FM-53) was a Peruvian Navy (Marina de Guerra del Perú) De Zeven Provinciën-class cruiser, later reclassified as a guided missile cruiser. Originally built for the Royal Netherlands Navy as HNLMS De Ruyter (C801), she was acquired by Peru in 1973 and renamed in honor of Miguel Grau Seminario, a celebrated Peruvian admiral and national hero of the War of the Pacific.

The Almirante Grau served as the flagship of the Peruvian Navy for many years. Over her service life, she underwent several modernizations, most notably in the 1980s, which included the installation of Otomat Mk 2 surface-to-surface missiles and other updated systems. These upgrades significantly enhanced her offensive capabilities.

She participated in numerous naval exercises and represented Peru in international naval events. The BAP Almirante Grau was a symbol of Peruvian naval power and a prominent fixture in South American maritime affairs.

Decommissioned in 2017, the Almirante Grau represents a significant chapter in the history of the Peruvian Navy. Preservation efforts are ongoing to potentially preserve her as a museum ship.