Today marks the 482nd anniversary of the founding of the Spanish Marine Corps, the Infantería de Marina. Marines on board EU NAVFOR’s warship ESPS Relampago held a short ceremony on the flight deck to mark the occasion. The Spanish Marine Corps founded by Carlos I in 1537, is the oldest existing Marine Corps in the world.
As well as conducting counter-piracy patrols, the Spanish marines help to train local maritime forces in force protection and boarding operations. The training, which takes place during ESPS Relampago’s port visits, serves to strengthen the maritime capabilities of regional forces. They also carry out friendly approaches with local vessels, where their skill in transiting between vessels at sea is put to good use.
Spanish warships, maritime patrol aircraft, marines and sailors have deployed with Operation Atalanta since it commenced in December 2008 as part of the European Union’s efforts to deter and repress acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia.
As well as conducting counter-piracy patrols, the Spanish marines help to train local maritime forces in force protection and boarding operations. The training, which takes place during ESPS Relampago’s port visits, serves to strengthen the maritime capabilities of regional forces. They also carry out friendly approaches with local vessels, where their skill in transiting between vessels at sea is put to good use.
Spanish warships, maritime patrol aircraft, marines and sailors have deployed with Operation Atalanta since it commenced in December 2008 as part of the European Union’s efforts to deter and repress acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia.