Commander of the submarine Isaac Peral, Lieutenant Commander Fernando Clavijo: ‘We are demonstrating our firm commitment to our allies.’

•  Since 14 October, the Spanish submarine has been deployed in the Mediterranean on her first international mission, as part of NATO's Operation Sea Guardian

Since 2017, Spain has been participating in the maritime security operation (MSO) “Sea Guardian”, a flexible operation — capable of performing the full range of maritime security tasks — launched by NATO in November 2016. Since 14 October and until the end of November, the submarine S81 Isaac Peral has been sailing in Mediterranean waters integrated in this operation, her first international deployment.

At the helm is Lieutenant Commander Fernando Clavijo Rey-Stolle, who has extensive experience and training, because ‘being a submarine commander is a long-distance race, and I have prepared thoroughly to achieve it.’ He also speaks proudly of his family's history with submarines: ‘My grandfather was a submariner 50 years ago, as was my older brother, who is currently the commander-director of the Naval Military School in Marín.’

In this interview, Commander Clavijo reflects on the significance of this first international operation by the submarine Isaac Peral: ‘In an interconnected world, working alongside our allies, with whom we share common interests, is a key mission and a demonstration of interoperability in achieving a common goal, which is collective defence.’

For the first time, the submarine “Isaac Peral” is sailing on an international mission. What does this vessel mean for Spain and her Navy?

Firstly, I would like to emphasise that this first overseas deployment of our submarine highlights the importance we attach to our international commitments and, with this voyage, we are demonstrating our commitment to our allies. In Sea Guardian, NATO aims to have a submarine available for the operation 365 days a year, and our support for the Sea Guardian operation amounts to 90 days a year, which means more than 20% of the allied effort.

On the other hand, it should be noted that the Isaac Peral submarine is the first to be designed and built entirely in Spain since 1888, positioning us as an international submarine power. Only twelve countries in the world have this capability, and I believe we should be proud to belong to this select list.

Likewise, from a more operational point of view, the Isaac Peral submarine represents a turning point in the modernisation of our submarine force, as it has been built with modern technological elements that provide us with much greater processing and control capabilities. We now have more and better sensors, as well as new-generation weapons, all in a more automated and secure manner.

I would also highlight that this submarine will have a diesel-electric propulsion system and AIP (air-independent propulsion system), which makes it particularly discreet. In short, the electric motor is powered by batteries—just like mobile phones—which we charge with snorkel diesel generator engines; air from outside is fed into these diesel engines to generate electrical energy through alternators.

Finally, the Isaac Peral is the first of at least four S-80 class submarines, which are designed to provide the Navy with capable, modern units to carry out the tasks assigned to us and remain faithful to our submarine motto, ‘Ad vtrvmque paratvs’ (‘Always prepared’).

All these advances are now being put at the service of NATO, always with the firm intention of contributing to the defence of Spain and the Spanish people from the sea.

What is life like on board?

If I had to define life aboard the submarine in a single word, it would be routine, which—on the other hand—is a necessary condition to ensure her perfect functioning. Most of the personnel are integrated into guard duties, which rotate with periods of rest, personal time and, of course, time on the operational post. During guard duty, everyone has their tasks, which work together to get the most out of the sensors and the platform.

As divers, we like to say that we live a life of extremes. Extreme coexistence, extreme camaraderie and extreme trust in training and instruction; and always with the complete assurance that, when the time comes, the entire crew knows what to do. On the other hand, it is a life of minimal privacy, minimal space and minimal communication with the outside world. For us, this coexistence, these minimums and deprivations give us a special mark, one of which we are proud: we are submariners.

Intense preparation for deployment and a long time sailing bow-first—what are your main challenges?

Without a doubt, the first thing I would highlight is communications. We live in a world where immediacy is essential, and this cannot be the case in submarine operations. The pace of communications is set by the tactical situation, a responsibility that falls to the commander. Communication is a critical moment, as during that period of time we are more vulnerable to detection.

This also affects my men and women's personal communications with their families, which are always via email and limited to one message per day. We must try to strike a balance between operational vulnerability and the well-being of the crew by allowing them to communicate with their loved ones, but we are all very aware of the importance of maintaining this “disconnection” in order to effectively fulfil our mission.

However, given the importance, the main challenge for navigation is to test the submarine's performance at sea during prolonged periods of submersion, as well as to continuously add capabilities to the mission.

Finally, what message would you send to the families of the sailors under your command?

To the families of my sailors aboard the S-81, I would convey the word ‘pride.’ I am very proud of all of them, and I know their families feel the same. As a crew, each and every one of them is performing their role flawlessly, with an excellent level of commitment and professionalism that makes them unique.

Finally, I want to ask you to remain calm. Everything is under control, and our two patron saints — Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of the Pillar — are with us on board in the command and control room. From there, they watch over us and protect us under their mantle.