The fleet replenishment ship ‘Cantabria’ visits Melbourne

The fleet replenishment ship ‘Cantabria’ departed from Melbourne where she arrived on the 13th before deploying and integrating into the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

In Melbourne the ship was welcomed by the RAN Fleet Commander, the Spanish Consul in that city, the Commander of the RAN Surface Force, our Defense Attaché in Canberra and a Royal Australian Navy music band.

The authorities were welcomed on board by the ship Commanding Officer, Cdr. José L. Nieto who showed them around the ship and briefed them on her capabilities and the significance of the deployment.

On Friday morning, Commander Nieto attended the ‘christening’ ceremony of the LHD ‘Canberra’ built by Navantia for the Royal Australian Navy. The ceremony was presided over by the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard accompanied by several dignitaries from both countries.

In the afternoon, the Ministers of Defense of Spain and Australia, Pablo Morenés and Stephen Smith visited the ‘Cantabria’ with the Chiefs of Naval Staff of both countries, Admiral Jaime Muñoz-Delgado and Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs.

Both Ministers signed in the ship’s Book of Honor and visited different facilities of the replenishment ship.

After the visit, an official photo was taken of both Delegations on the flight deck, accompanied by the ‘Cantabria’ crew.