Spanish Marines serving in the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) of the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) celebrated the 476th anniversary of the Spanish Marine Corps. Founded in 1537, during the reign of Carlos I, the Spanish Marine Corps is the oldest extant Marine Corps in the World.
Unable to attend the usual celebrations back in Spain – which traditionally include the reading of the Royal Decree that certified the Marine Corps’ formation in 1537 followed by a military parade – the Spanish Marines serving in the EU NAVFOR OHQ met up with Spanish Marines from other multi-national operations based in the area to toast fallen Marines and celebrate the event.
The staff of the EU Naval Force are drawn from countries throughout the EU and some non-EU countries – with Norway, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine all having contributed to the mission.
The EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta is the European Union’s counter-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, March 11, 2013; Image: EU NAVFOR