The Spanish Fleet Commander assumes command of the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR)

On September 22nd the Fleet Commander, Admiral Eugenio Díaz del Río took command of the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR) on board the LHD ‘Juan Carlos I’. The former CO was Vice-admiral Xavier Baudouard from the ‘Marine Nationale’.

The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy, Admiral General Antonio Martorell who was accompanied by the other EUROMARFOR Fleet Commanders from France, Italy and Portugal.

Other attending authorities included the Mayor of Rota, the Government representative and senior officers and commanding officers of different naval units stationed in Rota Naval Base.

This is the fifth time the Spanish Fleet Commander assumes command of EUROMARFOR with support from his Staff in Rota NB, this time reinforced by a permanent cell made up of representatives from the participating countries, all under command of a Spanish officer.

About EUROMARFOR

EUROMARFOR is a non-standing multinational maritime force originally designed to contribute to the execution of the missions established in the 1992 Petersberg Declaration of the Western European Union. The Force was set up in 1995 after the Lisbon Agreement signed by Portugal, France, Italy and Spain.

Spain’s membership of EUROMARFOR helps the Spanish Navy to maintain a strong bond with the main navies of our geostrategic domain, providing an excellent opportunity to train crews in a joint environment enhancing interoperability.