Change of command on the high seas for three Spanish vessels taking part in ‘Atlantic Deployment 26’

• The new commanders of the Strategic Projection Vessel ‘Juan Carlos I’, the frigate ‘Blas de Lezo’ and the Coastal Naval Group take up their posts in international waters

Three of the main units making up the Spanish Expeditionary Strike Group ‘Despliegue Atlántico 26’ have completed the handover of command whilst sailing in the Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of the United States, immediately after the conclusion of the multinational exercise FLEETEX-250 and prior to their arrival at the naval base in Norfolk.

This three-fold strategic handover marks a milestone in the mission, with the commanders of the Strategic Projection Vessel ‘Juan Carlos I’, the frigate ‘Blas de Lezo’ and the Coastal Naval Group (GRUPLA) handing over command. The three outgoing commanders thus bring to a close a two-year cycle that began on the other side of the ocean, in Helsinki (Finland), underscoring the Spanish Navy’s high operational readiness and purely expeditionary nature.

Upon handing over command of the Beach Naval Group to Lieutenant Commander Manuel Beltrán Gutiérrez, his predecessor, Lieutenant Commander Juan Ros Posac, emphasised his pride at passing the baton on the US coast following an intense period that began in the Baltic Sea: “This demonstrates the character of an elite unit, capable of operating on any beach in the world and always ready to act in any environment.”

For his part, Commander Pedro Ramos Carbonell bid farewell to the frigate ‘Blas de Lezo’ (F-103) after handing over command to Commander Santiago Santamaría Reyero. Ramos Carbonell emphasised the honour of leading one of the finest ships in Europe and “having contributed to the training of Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Asturias, on board the ‘Blas de Lezo’ during her time in the Navy”.

Finally, Captain Santiago Martínez Mata handed over command of the Strategic Projection Vessel ‘Juan Carlos I’ to Captain Alfredo Saco Díaz. Martínez Mata recalled milestones such as the humanitarian aid operation in Valencia following Storm Dana and the ship’s first Atlantic crossing: “The privilege of having commanded both the ship and the crew is the treasure I take with me after these two years.”

The new commanders take up their posts with their sights set on excellence. Lieutenant Commander Beltrán Gutiérrez reaffirmed his commitment to keeping the flag flying high whilst far from home, whilst Captain Saco Díaz —who was part of the ‘Juan Carlos I’s’ original crew during its maiden voyages as part of the keel crew— reminded his new crew of the pillars of seafaring life: “Honour, Valour, Discipline and Loyalty”.

Having completed the multinational exercise FLEETEX-250, the units of ‘Atlantic Deployment 26’ will now take part in the International Naval Review to be held in New York to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. They will then begin their return journey to Spain and set course for the North Atlantic. During this return voyage and throughout the month of July, the Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters (SPMARFOR) will assume the role of Commander Task Force (CTF) ATLANTIC, the NATO force responsible for monitoring and protecting the area of responsibility in that region.

‘Atlantic Deployment 26’

This joint force is commanded by the Vice-Admiral, Commander of the High Readiness Maritime Headquarters (CGMAD) and of the Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters (SPMARFOR), from the amphibious assault ship ‘Castilla’. ‘Atlantic Deployment 26’ comprises the Strategic Projection Vessel ‘Juan Carlos I’, with the Commander of the Fleet Projection Group, the Second-in-Command of the Tercio Armada and the Commander of the Naval Beach Group on board; the frigate ‘Blas de Lezo’, which is carrying the

Commander of the 31st Surface Squadron; the frigate ‘Reina Sofía’; and the Combat Supply Ship ‘Patiño. 

Also, it has a Landing Force made up of a Reinforced Marine Infantry Landing Battalion, together with a section of Italian Marine Infantry and Army personnel providing electronic warfare, tactical cameras, unmanned aerial systems, and fire support acquisition and control capabilities. In total, there are five ships, 2,500 people, 75 vehicles, 12 amphibious craft, and 10 aircraft —including AV8B ‘Harrier’ planes, SH60 ‘Seahawk’ helicopters, and H135 ‘Nival’ Navy helicopters— showcasing the capability, commitment, interoperability, and readiness of the Spanish Armed Forces and the men and women who make them up.