The Expeditionary Combat Group “Dédalo 25-3” arrives in Rota after two months of deployment

• During the sailing, they demonstrated the nation's capacity to deploy a naval force far beyond our borders

On 8 October, the ships of the Expeditionary Combat Group (GCE) “Dédalo 25-3” set sail from the naval base at Norfolk, on the east coast of the United States, heading to Spain. After seventeen days crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the naval group arrived in Spanish territory today, thus bringing to an end the third and final “Dédalo” deployment of this year.

During the last few days of sailing, the GCE naval units separated their courses their routes to enter port: the amphibious assault ship Galicia (L-51) and the frigate Canarias (F-86) docked at the Rota Naval Base; while the frigate ‘Almirante Juan de Borbón’ (F-102) did the same at the Ferrol Arsenal

Ahead lies a naval deployment—more than two months of intense and hard service at sea and from the sea—in which they have worked side by side with units from more than 25 countries during Exercise UNITAS 2025, organized by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps.

During this time, the Spanish naval group has crossed the Atlantic twice and demonstrated her operability in this extraordinary international training exercise. This deployment has increased the degree of readiness of units and reinforced the presence and prestige of the Spanish Armed Forces on the national and international stage, as well as promoting interoperability with friendly and allied countries.

Rear Admiral Antonio González-Tánago de la Lastra has been in charge of this naval group. During the five months of sailing, the crew and Landing Force of the Expeditionary Group have shared days of sailing and joint and combined exercises; they have assisted civilian ships flying the Spanish flag; and they have carried out landings on beaches in different countries.