This Monday, November 25, the Navy began the Anti-submarine warfare training exercise “MAR ASW-24” in which the frigates “Navarra” and “Canarias” of the 41st Escort Squadron, the frigate “Méndez Núñez”, of the 31st Surface Squadron, the multipurpose ship “Carnota” and the submarine “Galerna” participate.
The exercise will be “of great value” to the crews of participating units, providing advanced training during which torpedo launches will be carried out on live targets, from frigates, helicopters and submarines, the Navy said in a memo.
This national exercise will take place near Cartagena (Murcia) and mainly focuses on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training at group level, complementing it with other activities aimed at increasing general training and interoperability between the different participants.
The event is enhanced by the participation of an SH60B helicopter from the 10th squadron of the Navy Aircraft Flotilla, MH60R helicopters from the HSM-79 squadron of the US Navy based in Rota (Cádiz) and two patrol aircraft maritime, a P-3C Orion. of the Portuguese Air Force and a P-8 of the US Navy based in Sigonella (Italy). In addition, the patrol boat “Toralla” will also collaborate in the maneuvers from Cartagena.
MAR ASW-24 is an opportunity for the Navy to “test” its units against underwater threatwhich “continues to proliferate rapidly”, while continuing to update its capabilities in the face of the technological evolution of possible adversaries to safeguard the prosperity and well-being of Spanish society.
These threats are “constantly evolving”, and therefore A “technologically advanced” Navy is neededbalanced, interoperable and expeditionary”, for which “we must invest in its preparation and modernization”.
Planning, organization, direction and leadership are provided by the deployable general staff of the 41st Escort Squadron, under the command of its commander, Captain, Ernesto Grueso Garcia.
Before starting the exercise, the participating ships gathered this weekend in the port of Cartagena, where they carried out various pre-coordination activities, which culminated today with the celebration of the Pre-Departure Conference, before to go to sea.
At the end of the MAR ASW-24 exercise, the frigates “Navarra” and “Canarias” are expected to head towards the port of Tarragonawhere they will stop over the weekend of November 29 to December 2 to organize open days aimed at bringing the Navy closer to the citizen and strengthening relations with the various civil associations and local and regional authorities.
