The fleet replenishment ship ‘Cantabria’ concludes her deployment in Australia and sails back to Spain.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) bid farewell to the fleet replenishment ship ‘Cantabria’ in gratitude for her collaboration with the RAN since the month of February.

The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of the Australian Navy, Vice-admiral Ray Griggs in Garden Island, Sydney, home port of the ‘Cantabria’ during her deployment in Australia. Other authorities included the Spanish Ambassador, Enrique Viguera, the Australian Fleet Commander, Rear-admiral Tim Barrett and the Consul of Spain in Sydney, Álvaro Iranzo.

After the farewell ceremony the fleet replenishment ship ‘Cantabria’ sailed through Sydney Harbour for the last time. The ship is scheduled to arrive at Ferrol on December 21st.

During the first days of the cruise back to Spain, the ‘Cantabria’ will carry out training drills with the RAN replenishment ship HMAS ‘Success’, once again operational after an intense overhaul.

Outcome of the Deployment

Since her departure from Ferrol on January 3rd the ‘Cantabria’ has sailed more than 34,000 miles during 167 days, and has carried out more than 60 replenishments at sea.

The ship has visited the following Australian ports: Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin and Cairns. The ‘Cantabria’ participated in the important ANZAC Day celebrations and the multinational exercises ‘Talisman Saber 2013’ and ‘Triton Centenary 2013’.

To round off the deployment, the ‘Cantabria’ had the privilege of leading the 5th Division during the International Fleet Review with the Royal Australian Navy celebrating the Centenary of the arrival of the first Australian Fleet at Sydney.