The Expeditionary Combat Group Dédalo 25-3 begins its participation in the UNITAS 2025 exercise.

• After leaving the Mayport base in Florida behind, Spanish and U.S. ships are taking part in the first navigations of this training activity, in which 26 countries are participating.

The Expeditionary Combat Group (GCE) Dédalo 25-3, comprising the landing platform dock LPD Galicia and the frigates Almirante Juan de Borbón and Canarias, set sail from Mayport Naval Base (Jacksonville, Florida) to begin their participation in the multinational exercise UNITAS 2025, organised by the U.S. Navy, in which up to 26 allied countries are participating.

The opening ceremony for this naval training activity was held on board the ship USS Arlington, the nerve centre of the deployment.

Spanish units are currently working with U.S. units to strengthen interoperability between participating countries. Thus, the ships of Dédalo 25-3 are conducting operations with aircraft from other nations, while our helicopters are demonstrating their versatility by taking off from the decks of the USS Arlington and the ARM Papaloapan of the Mexican Navy.

Meanwhile, while the ships manoeuvre at sea, the Spanish Marine Corps battalion remains deployed at Camp Lejeune. It will remain there until 28 September, carrying out various amphibious operations, ranging from live fire and urban combat to close air support, integrated with the U.S. Marines and other multinational forces. The nations participating in the amphibious part of the exercise are Argentina, Brazil, Belize, Colombia, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Morocco, Paraguay, Peru, and Spain.

UNITAS 2025 is a multinational exercise that is celebrating its 65th consecutive edition this year. It is scheduled to conclude on 6 October in Norfolk. In addition to joint training, this year's exercise also contributes to the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. With its participation, the GCE Dédalo 25-3 demonstrates Spain's commitment to security in the international strategic environment through close cooperation with partner countries and allies.

Activities in Mayport

The Expeditionary Combat Group (GCE) Dédalo 25-3 arrived at Mayport Naval Base on 15 September after an 18-day voyage across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain. Since their arrival to port and until setting sail, the three Spanish ships have carried out an intense programme.

In addition to participating in operational meetings in preparation for the UNITAS 2025 exercise, they have carried out various diplomatic and social activities and participated in sports competitions, with the Almirante Juan de Borbón winning the 7-a-side football competition.

Among the social events, it is worth highlighting the reception for the Hispanic community aboard the LPD Galicia, as well as the visit to the neighbouring city of San Agustín by a delegation from the Spanish Combat Group. In this historic town, they were received by the Mayoress, who presided over the raising of the national flag at the San Marcos fort, accompanied by the vice-consul of Spain.