BAP Coronel Bolognesi (CL-82)

The BAP Coronel Bolognesi (CL-82) was a De Zeven Provinciën-class light cruiser that served in the Peruvian Navy (Marina de Guerra del Perú). Originally built for the Royal Netherlands Navy (Koninklijke Marine) as HNLMS De Ruyter (C801), she was sold to Peru in 1973 and renamed.

The De Zeven Provinciën-class cruisers were designed in the late 1930s and early 1940s, but construction was delayed by World War II. De Ruyter was eventually completed in 1953. Upon acquisition by Peru, she underwent modernization, primarily focusing on upgrading her electronics and armament.

The Coronel Bolognesi, named after Peruvian war hero Colonel Francisco Bolognesi Cervantes, played a significant role in the Peruvian Navy, participating in exercises and representing Peru in international naval events. She provided a valuable platform for training Peruvian naval officers and sailors.

Throughout her service life in the Peruvian Navy, the Coronel Bolognesi underwent several refits and upgrades to maintain her operational capabilities. However, by the late 1980s, she was becoming outdated and expensive to maintain.

The BAP Coronel Bolognesi (CL-82) was decommissioned from the Peruvian Navy in the late 1980s, marking the end of her long and distinguished service under both the Dutch and Peruvian flags. Her decommissioning signaled a shift in the Peruvian Navy towards more modern vessels. Her legacy lives on in the history of the Peruvian Navy.