After two weeks transiting the Atlantic Ocean, the Expeditionary Strike Group ‘DespliegueAtlántico26’ has arrived at the East Coast of the United States. Before its participation in the multinational exercise FLEETEX250, the Reinforced Landing Group (ARD in its Spanish initials) of the Spanish Marine Corps has disembarked at the US base of Camp Lejeune for 10 days of demanding training drills with US and French Marines.
In total, some 700 Marines from the ARD (with 75 vehicles), a Tactical Subgroup from the Army, and an Italian platoon from the ‘San Marco’ Brigade will carry out a very comprehensive and demanding training exercise in which, jointly with other forces, they will conduct a series of exercises focused on integrating tactics, techniques, and procedures for infantry, reconnaissance, artillery, engineering, weapons, and aircraft.
The insertion of the Spanish expeditionary force began on Friday, June 12, with the arrival of a reconnaissance team on the beach. After verifying the conditions for the landing, it commenced the following day, using transport helicopters and amphibious landing craft mechanized (LCM) from the Naval Beach Group, which transported the military personnel and equipment from the LHD Juan Carlos I.
With the re-embarkation of the Landing Force onto the LPD ‘Castilla’ and the LHD ‘Juan Carlos I’, the next multinational exercise FLEETEX250 will begin, which is being carried out within the framework of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the United States of America and its Navy.
Expeditionary Strike Group ‘DespliegueAtlántico26’
Commanded by the Vice Admiral, Commander of the High Readiness Maritime Headquarters (CGMAD) and the Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters (SPMARFOR), aboard the LPD ‘Castilla’, the Expeditionary Strike Group ‘DespliegueAtlántico26’ is made up by the other following ships: LHD ‘Juan Carlos I’, with the Commander of the Fleet Projection Group and the Deputy Commander (XO) of the MC ‘Tercio de Armada’ and Landing Force on board; the frigate ‘Blas de Lezo’, with the Commander of the 31st Surface Squadron; the frigate ‘Reina Sofía’; and the AOR ‘Patiño’.
With the force projection of the ‘DespliegueAtlántico26’, Spain demonstrates its commitment to the Atlantic Alliance, contributing to NATO’s deterrence and defense and increasing security in the international strategic domain, being able to project an expeditionary force at sea and from the sea.