Dédalo 25-3 begins its journey back to Spain from the Naval Base in Norfolk

• The multinational exercise “UNITAS 2025” has come to an end, with 25 countries participating and testing interoperability to defend common interests

The ships of the Expeditionary Combat Group (GCE) “Dédalo 25-3” set sail today, heading to Spain, after calling at the Naval Base in Norfolk, in the State of Virginia, in the United States.

During this stopover, they participated in the multinational exercise UNITAS 25, led by the United States, where the different units demonstrated the interoperability necessary to defend common interests at sea and from the sea.

Fleet Admiral (ALFLOT) José Enrique Delgado Roig represented the Spanish naval unit at the closing ceremony, which took place aboard the US Navy aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman and marked the end of the 25 guest countries' participation in this extraordinary training activity.

In addition to this event, Admiral Delgado Roig met aboard the amphibious assault ship Galicia with the group's commanders, as well as with the Deputy Commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk, Admiral James Morley.

On the other hand, an official reception was held aboard the Galicia, attended by representatives from the different countries participating in UNITAS 25, NATO organisations based in Norfolk, and the Spanish community residing in the area. This event allowed the Expeditionary Combat Group to strengthen ties of friendship with partners and allies, and to repay the Spanish people for some of the affection and support received in recent days.

Finally, at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Spanish sailors paid tribute to the three sailors from the Cuban Fleet who have been buried there since 1998.

'Dédalo 25-3' bound for Spain

The Expeditionary Combat Group “Dédalo 25-3”, composed of the amphibious assault ship LPD “Galicia” (L-51) and the frigates “Almirante Juan de Borbón” (F-102) and “Canarias” (F-86), has set sail for Spain, where it is scheduled to arrive in the last week of October.

As for the LPD Galicia, it has a Reinforced Marine Landing Battalion on board, formed by the Second Battalion of the Marine Infantry Brigade, and two SH60F troop transport helicopters. For its part, the frigate “Canarias” (F-86) has an SH60B helicopter for anti-submarine and surface warfare.

On the other hand, and in order to increase maritime security and strengthen 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 GCE reinforces the role of our Armed Forces on the international stage, while demonstrating their commitment and active contribution to NATO's deterrence and defence, and therefore to Spain's.