The submarine “Isaac Peral” welcomes the Spanish ambassador to Athens on board

• Spanish vessel docks in Greece for a technical stop during her deployment in NATO's Operation Sea Guardian

The submarine Isaac Peral (S-81) received a visit from the Spanish Ambassador to Athens, Jorge Domecq Fernández de Bobadilla, at the naval base in Souda Bay, Crete (Greece), where it docked for a technical stop during its deployment in NATO's Operation Sea Guardian.

During the visit, the ambassador had the opportunity to witness the submarine's technological capabilities, as well as the tasks it is performing as part of her mission in the Mediterranean. With his presence, Spain's highest representative in Greece demonstrated his support for the Spanish submarine and her crew.

First, they visited the officers' quarters and the living area, where the 55 crew members are housed. From there, they went to the torpedo room and then to the command and control room, which acts as the brain of the submarine's operations. Finally, they visited the propulsion and diesel rooms, which ensure the vessel's navigation.

The submarine's commander, Lieutenant Commander Fernando Clavijo Rey-Stolle, explained the structure, development and requirements of the operation, as well as discussing the challenges they face in their upcoming voyages.

Ambassador Fernández de Bobadilla was received by the ship's guard with ceremonial honors, and the submarine's commander welcomed him at the gangway. The Spanish diplomat was accompanied by the Defense Attaché in Greece, Captain Ricardo Valdés Fernández.

As in other ports, the ambassador's visit to a Spanish naval unit deployed abroad is an event greatly appreciated by the entire crew of the ship. On this occasion, it takes on even greater significance, as it is the first time that a submarine of the innovative S-80 class has docked in Greece, reinforcing the good relations between the two nations.

Allied maritime security operation ‘Sea Guardian’

The deployment of the submarine Isaac Peral as part of the NATO operation makes a decisive contribution to ensuring maritime security in the Mediterranean and strengthening knowledge of this maritime environment. It also contributes to the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities at sea. At the same time, it promotes the development of regional maritime surveillance capabilities.

Since 2017, Spain's participation in Sea Guardian has been a demonstration of solidarity and commitment to the comprehensive protection of maritime areas of interest to the Alliance and its member countries. In this context, it should be noted that Spain, as a partner fully committed to European security and defense, is one of the main contributors to this NATO initiative.