The Amphibious Ship (BAA in Spanish) ‘Galicia’ begins her deployment to contribute to cooperative security in Mauritania

•  The Spanish Navy vessel is heading for Nouakchott to carry out training and bilateral cooperation activities with the Mauritanian Armed Forces

The Amphibious Ship (BAA in Spanish) ‘Galicia’ has set sail from the naval base at Rota to begin its voyage to Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, as part of bilateral cooperation activities in the field of cooperative security.

For this deployment, the crew of the ‘Galicia’ has been reinforced with specialist personnel from the Tercio de Armada, the Tercio de Levante, the Royal Navy Hydrographic Institute, the Naval Beach Group and a team of interpreters.

During its stay in Nouakchott, an ambitious training programme will be carried out, combining theoretical and practical sessions in critical areas such as hydrography; improvised explosive devices (C-IED); amphibious tactics; physical security in ports and anchorages; maintenance and operation of vessels; urban combat techniques; beach organisation and marking; precision shooting; small arms firing; and the use of aerial assets for maritime surveillance.

This comprehensive training, aimed at the Mauritanian Armed Forces, is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Mauritanian Armed Forces and improve interoperability between the two nations.

In addition, during its stay in port, seminars will be held on maritime security and the fight against illegal fishing. A range of civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) activities will also take place, including medical assistance, infrastructure improvement works and quick-impact projects to help disadvantaged communities. Through this mission, the AAS ‘Galicia’ is actively contributing to international cooperation and capacity building in allied countries, whilst consolidating Spain’s presence in areas of strategic interest along the west coast of Africa and in the Gulf of Guinea.