Spanish Fleet Commander Takes the Helm of EUROMARFOR

The Spanish Fleet Commander, Admiral Santiago Bolíbar has assumed command of the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR) relieving the French Vice-admiral Philippe Coindreau.

The ceremony took place on board the LHD ‘Juan Carlos I’ in Rota Naval Base and was presided over by the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral General Jaime Muñoz-Delgado.

EUROMARFOR is a non-standing naval force shaped and sized depending on the mission assigned and the logistic support required. It can operate as an independent task force or integrated into other forces.

Since its activation in 1995 by Spain, France, Portugal and Italy, EUROMARFOR has participated in many international operations and exercises, among them the UN peace-keeping operation in the Lebanon (UNIFIL) and operation ‘Atalanta’ fighting piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Admiral Santiago Bolíbar Piñeiro was born in Pontevedra in 1950. He joined the Navy in 1970 and was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade in 1975 serving in the following ships: frigates ‘Andalucía’ and ‘Vicente Yáñez Pinzón’ and destroyer ‘Méndez Núñez’.

He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1978 embarking in the frigates ‘Baleares’ and ‘Cataluña’. He was Brigade Commander and Teacher at the Naval Academy. In 1995 he became Commander and assigned to different Fleet Staff posts.

In 2001 he was promoted to Captain and appointed Secretary of the Spanish Naval Staff. In September 2006 he was appointed Commander of the Fleet Projection Units Group.

On April 8th 2011 he acquired the Admiral title and was appointed Fleet Commander.

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Press Release, September 20, 2013; Image: Spanish Navy