The Australian Ambassador to Spain visits Spanish Navy Bases and facilities in Ferrol, Cádiz and Cartagena

The Australian Ambassador to Spain, Jane Hardy, accompanied by a delegation, concluded in Cartagena a tour through different Spanish Navy Bases and facilities which started in Ferrol on March 6th. She also visited Rota and San Fernando on March 12th.

In Ferrol, the Ambassador was welcomed by the Arsenal Admiral and visited the F-100 frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’. Highlights of the visit included the platform control room, the Combat Information Center (CIC), the bridge, sick bay, kitchen, gym and crew cabins.

She then proceeded to NAVANTIA Shipyards where she visited the offices assigned to the Australian LHD ‘Adelaide’.

On March 12th Mrs. Jane Hardy travelled to Rota Naval Base where she was welcomed by the Fleet Commander at ALFLOT’s Headquarters. From there she boarded the amphibious ship ‘Castilla’. She was briefed on the ship’s capabilities as amphibious platform and command ship. The Ambassador paid special attention to the ship’s hospital and sick bay.

She later proceeded to NAVANTIA facilities in San Fernando where she confirmed the excellent relations between Spain and Australia, particularly in the field of naval shipbuilding, thanks to the high level of interoperability between the Spanish Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.

Her last visit was Cartagena. She was welcomed by the Base Chief and had an official meeting with the Maritime Action Admiral. She was briefed on the Submarine Flotilla and visited the S-80 submarine simulator. The visit concluded in NAVANTIA Shipyards where the AIP S-80 submarines are being built.