The EU Force newcomer, spanish ship “CANARIAS”, received the Force Commander first visit onboard
![](https://www.operationsophia.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20151010_fhq_cdr_visits_esps_canarias.jpg)
EUNAVFOR MED Force Commander, Rear Admiral Andrea Gueglio, paid his first visit to the Spanish military vessel Canarias, led by Cdr Manuel Alvargonzales, on October the 8th.
Ship Canarias joined the European Force deployed in Mediterranean on October the 5th from Rota harbor, carrying 202 crew members.
Among them, a special Infantry boarding team and 3 pilots plus 18 persons dedicated to “Tweety”, the onboard SH-60B Seahawk helicopter.
During his meeting, the Force Commander underlined the importance of the contribution already provided by Spain, in terms of both FHQ staff members and fixed wing air asset. He added that the integration of SPS Canarias would increase very much the effectiveness of the European Force at sea, as well as and its ability to accomplish the mission. He concluded underlining his satisfaction for the professionalism showed by the young and highly motivated crew met onboard.
Yesterday, Ship Canarias also successfully completed her first training integration exercise at sea, in order to perform the quickest and most efficient response to the European Force operational needs.
At the end of the training day, “Tweety” helicopter performed several series of landing and take-off maneuvers on the Flagship Cavour fly deck, showing very high flexibility in operational activities.