Melilla has been the scene this Friday, for the first time in its recent history, of the simultaneous arrival of three ships of the Spanish Navy within the traditional end-of-course training cruise for students of the Military Naval School. The ships deployed to the city are the Amphibious Assault Ship (BAA) "Galicia", the frigate "Victoria", and the BECP "Intermares", which will remain docked in the port of Melilla until Sunday, May 31.
This stop is part of an activity of high educational value for the Navy, conceived to complete the academic and military preparation of future officers and non-commissioned officers through direct practice at sea and knowledge of operational life aboard different types of units.
Throughout these days, the students will live together and continue their training on ships with varied capabilities and missions, participating in watches, exercises, and tasks related to maneuvering, navigation, tactics, power, and propulsion, while familiarizing themselves with the institution's procedures, values, and traditions.
The president of the Autonomous City of Melilla, Juan José Imbroda, and the Government delegate, Sabrina Moh, have led the official reception for the crews and participants of the training cruise. In a crowded golden hall, Imbroda thanked the Navy for "never having failed us" and highlighted the intense historical relationship between Melilla and the naval institution.
The president of Melilla also encouraged the students "to drink from this source so that it serves as an example," advocating for the city's model of coexistence. Among the attendees of the cruise is Carlos Cervilla from Melilla. For his part, the naval commander urged future officers to "get to know the city well and discover the soul of its people."
The Government delegate also expressed her recognition to the Navy for "the important work it carries out in the service of Spain" and for its involvement in the training of future commanders. Sabrina Moh also highlighted the historical ties that unite Melilla with the Navy and thanked the city for once again being integrated into this training itinerary.
The presence of the three ships will make it possible for the population of Melilla to approach and learn firsthand about some of the most emblematic units of the Navy. The frigate "Victoria" can be visited on Friday, May 29 from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM; the BAA "Galicia" will be open to the public on Saturday, May 30 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM; and the BECP "Intermares" will receive visitors on Sunday, May 31 from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
The BAA "Galicia", in service since 1998, is designed for amphibious operations and humanitarian missions, and has participated in actions such as aid after the "Prestige" disaster, the Indonesian tsunami, the "Libre Hidalgo" operation in Lebanon, or the BALMIS operation during the pandemic.
The frigate "Victoria", belonging to the Santa María class and operational since 1987, is oriented towards escort and naval protection missions, with relevant participation in international NATO operations and in the "Atalanta" mission against piracy in the Indian Ocean.
The BECP "Intermares", integrated into the Maritime Action Force, is dedicated to teaching support and cooperation in the maritime-fishery field, in coordination with different State Administration bodies.