ESPS Canarias Hosts EUNAVFOR MED Force Commander

EUNAVFOR MED Force Commander, Rear Admiral Andrea Gueglio, paid his first visit to the Spanish military vessel Canarias, led by Cdr Manuel Alvargonzales, on October 8.

Ship Canarias joined the European Force deployed in Mediterranean on October 5 from Rota harbor, carrying 202 crew members.

Among them, a special Infantry boarding team and 3 pilots plus 18 persons dedicated to “Tweety”, the onboard SH-60B Seahawk helicopter.

During his meeting, the Force Commander underlined the importance of the contribution already provided by Spain, in terms of both FHQ staff members and fixed wing air asset. He added that the integration of ESPS Canarias would increase very much the effectiveness of the European Force at sea, as well as and its ability to accomplish the mission.

Canarias recently completed her first training integration exercise at sea, in order to perform the quickest and most efficient response to the European Force operational needs.

At the end of the training day, “Tweety” helicopter performed several series of landing and take-off maneuvers on the Flagship Cavour fly deck, showing very high flexibility in operational activities.

Image: EEAS