The Special Naval Warfare Force concludes a series of specific training drills.

Cartagena has hosted this week a round of special training exercises: the ‘GNEX 02/19’ Special Operations drills.

The exercise has been coordinated by the Staff of the Special Naval War Force Commander, with participation of vessels, units and Service Support units from the Special Naval Warfare Force (FGNE in its Spanish initials).

Collaborating units included elements from the Aircraft Flotilla like a ‘SH-3D’ helicopter and submarine ‘Mistral’, which has permitted the integration of all participating units implementing procedures already established and testing new others.

Although it was not the purpose of the exercise itself, the opportunity was taken to collaborate with the Submarine Flotilla in support of the training course that the green berets are currently performing at the Military Diving School in Cartagena.

As a result, different techniques and procedures have been tested like precision shooting practices from helicopters, fast-rope operations, or medical evacuations (MEDEVAC).

The good relations between the Spanish Navy and the civilian authorities and institutions of Cartagena have become evident in the fast-rope drills conducted in the containers’ terminal (fast-roping is a technique for descending using a thick rope. It is useful for deploying troops from a helicopter in places where the helicopter itself cannot touch down). They were jointly organized by the Spanish Navy Maritime Action Force, the Port Authority and other maritime agencies.