The Expeditionary Combat Group 'Dédalo' begins the third phase of its deployment in Atlantic waters

• These naval deployments, which will last a total of five months in 2025, are an important contribution to NATO's deterrence and defence capabilities

Today, the Navy begins the third phase of the deployment of the Expeditionary Combat Group “Dédalo” 25, which will operate in Atlantic waters between 28 August and 24 October. With it, the Navy underlines its commitment to international maritime security, strengthens interoperability with allied navies and contributes to deterrence and collective defence.

The group is composed of the amphibious assault warship LPD Galicia (L-51), and the frigates Almirante Juan de Borbón (F-102) and Canarias (F-86). During the start of the Atlantic crossing and on the return journey, Group Dédalo 25-3 will also receive logistic support from the combat supply warship BAC Cantabria (A-15). A total of 1,230 military personnel are participating in the deployment.

In the case of the LPD Galicia, it has a Reinforced Marine Infantry Landing Battalion on board, generated by the Second Battalion of the Marine Infantry Brigade, and two SH60F troop transport helicopters. Concurrently, the frigate Canarias has an SH60B helicopter for anti-submarine and surface warfare.

In addition, to increase maritime security and reinforce Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) capabilities, two Security Operational Teams (EOS, from the Spanish acronym) from the Navy Protection Force will be integrated: the EOS from the Southern Brigade, embarked on the F-86, and the EOS from the Canary Islands Security Unit, embarked on the L-51.

Today, the LPD Galicia and the frigate Canarias set sail from the port of Rota, while yesterday the frigate Almirante Juan de Borbón and the BAC Cantabria did the same. Soon, all the ships will be in Atlantic waters to begin their voyage together.

During the deployment, the Expeditionary Combat Group will reach the east coast of the United States to participate in the international UNITAS exercise, one of the oldest and most important multinational naval exercises. As part of this exercise, Dédalo 25-3 will be joined by three warships from the Mexican Navy, the Guatemalan Navy and the US Navy, all under the command of the Commander of the Amphibious and Fleet Projection Group (COMGRUPFLOT), to carry out combined amphibious operations.

Before setting sail, the Commander of the Expeditionary Combat Group “Dédalo”, Rear Admiral Antonio Gonzalez-Tanago de La Lasta, stated on board the ship LPD Galicia that "this type of deployment allows us to demonstrate the Navy's ability to lead and project an expeditionary force wherever necessary, and, where appropriate, to integrate and interoperate with other units or groups from other friendly countries. It also highlights the strategic relationship and close collaboration between the Navy and the National Defence Industry. We are approaching these two months of deployment with the enormous enthusiasm that comes from continuing to serve Spain and the Spanish people, at sea and from the sea."