The Fleet Amphibious and Projection Group has taken part in ‘Neptune Strike 26-1’

•  This is a NATO enhanced surveillance exercise on the Alliance’s southern flank

The Fleet Amphibious and Projection Group (GRUPFLOT in Spanish), together with its General Staff and the aircraft carrier ‘Juan Carlos I’, has taken part in the NATO enhanced surveillance operation ‘Neptune Strike 26-1’ (NEST 26-1). This effort focuses on harmonising multinational and NATO planning teams under the direct command of STRIKFORNATO (NATO Force Structure Command), with the aim of strengthening the Alliance’s deterrence, projection and response capabilities on the southern flank.

During this exercise, air-sea operations were conducted from the sea, in which the Shipborne Air Unit (UNAEMB in Spanish) played an essential role in generating air power. The AV-8B Plus Harrier II aircraft carried out long-range air interdiction missions.

Together with SH-60B helicopters, close air support missions were carried out, in coordination with Marine Corps JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) teams deployed at the Sierra del Retín Training Ground (Cádiz).

The planning and conduct of activities from the COMGRUPFLOT Joint Staff has enabled the precise synchronisation of air and naval operations, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to allied interoperability and constant readiness.

Visit by the Commander of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe

In addition, as part of the NEST 26-1 activities, the ‘Juan Carlos I’ received a visit from the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkewich, who was able to observe ongoing air operations from aboard the ship and gain firsthand knowledge of the vessel’s expeditionary, amphibious, and medical capabilities. From the bridge and the flight deck, SACEUR observed short takeoffs using the ‘sky-jump’ method and vertical landings by AV-8B Plus aircraft, as well as maneuvers by SH-60F helicopters, which demonstrated the Spanish Navy’s ability to project air power from the sea with great flexibility and responsive capability.