Dédalo 25-3 arrives at Mayport Naval Base to join the UNITAS 25 exercise

• The naval group has carried out an intensive programme of operational and training activities during its 18 consecutive days at sea.

The naval group is now beginning its participation in the multinational exercise UNITAS 2025, organised by the U.S. Navy, in which 25 other countries are taking part. This training activity forms part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.

In addition to establishing the necessary coordination prior to the activities at sea, during the stay in port, there will also be time for visits from local civil and military authorities, as well as welcoming the Spanish community in Florida.

Since setting sail from Spain on 28 August, the Atlantic crossing has been marked by an intense programme of activities, which have strengthened interoperability between the ships of the ECG among themselves and with those of other nations, hence improving the group's operational and combat capabilities.

Highlights of the Atlantic crossing have been the replenishment at sea with the U.S. auxiliary oiler and replenishment ship USNS Leroy Grumman, and the landing of an SH60F helicopter from the 10th Aircraft Squadron at Hamilton Airport, the capital of Bermuda, in the North Atlantic.

The Expeditionary Combat Group Dédalo 25-3 also carried out an amphibious landing of the Reinforced Landing Battalion at Camp Lejeune, the U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina. The ship-to-shore movement was led by the landing platform dock Galicia, supported by two SH60F and SH60B helicopters, as well as four LCM1E landing craft mechanised from the Beach Naval Group and five fast boats from the Battalion.

This Landing Force is composed of 350 Marines and various high-mobility tactical and transport vehicles. During their stay at Camp Lejeune, they have operated on land, first bilaterally with U.S. Marines and later with units from the other countries participating in the UNITAS 2025 exercise. The Spanish Marine Corps unit promotes interoperability among allies, while putting its capabilities into practice, as well as the necessary degree of readiness on land and at sea.

Expeditionary Combat Group Dédalo 25-3

The Expeditionary Combat Group Dédalo 25-3 is composed of the landing platform dock LPD Galicia L-51 and the frigates Almirante Juan de Borbón F-102 and Canarias F-86. During the start of the Atlantic crossing, the group received logistical support from the auxiliary oiler and replenishment ship AOR Cantabria.

The LPD Galicia has a Reinforced Marine Landing Battalion on board, formed by the 2nd Battalion of the Marine Infantry Brigade, and two SH60F troop transport helicopters. The frigate Canarias F-86 has an SH60B helicopter for anti-submarine and surface warfare.

In addition, to increase maritime security and reinforce Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) capabilities, two Security Operational Teams (EOS) from the Navy Protection Force have been 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.

The deployment of the ECG reinforces the role of our Armed Forces on the international stage, while demonstrating our commitment and active contribution to NATO's deterrence and defence.