Elcano Takes Command as Captain

Timeline

1. 1520Pacific Ocean · Pacific OceanAfter entering the Pacific, Magellan commanded the entire fleet while Elcano commanded the Victoria in the northward voyage. The three surviving ships divided labor during the long Pacific crossing, and Elcano's sailing experience became increasingly critical.
2. 1520Pacific Ocean · Eastern PacificDuring the arduous Pacific voyage, Elcano, one of the few veteran Spanish captains who persisted westward throughout, gradually became the most trusted commander after Magellan, paving the way for his later assumption of command of the remnant fleet in the Philippines and completion of the circumnavigation voyage home.