Multinational exercise ‘Spanish Minex-13’ in Cartagena

A total of twelve naval units and two aircraft from four nations have taken part in the multinational exercise ‘Spanish Minex-13’ in Cartagena and Alicante waters (16-25 April). The theatre of operations includes Cape of Palos and Cape Roig, south of Torrevieja. During the weekend, the naval group berthed in Cartagena.

‘Spanish Minex-13’ is an advanced Naval Warfare mine countermeasures (MCM) exercise that the Spanish Navy organizes every year. The goal of the drills is to test common MCM procedures.

The participating units were tasked with the mission of clearing the waters, provide security to shipping, enhance training and integrate units from different nations.

The exercise was commanded by Captain Juan José García Fernández, Commander of the MCM Force. More than 500 servicemen from Spain, France, Turkey and the United Kingdom took part in the exercise.

The Spanish Navy participated with the minehunters ‘Segura’, ‘Sella’ and ‘Duero’; the submarine ‘Galerna’, the auxiliary ship ‘Mar Caribe’, the patrol boats ‘Infanta Cristina’, ‘Toralla’ and ‘Formentor’, a helicopter and a ‘Cessna’ jet from the Aircraft Flotilla; also Marine Corps craft and a MCM Diving Unit.

As part of the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR) the following units took part in the exercise: the French and Spanish minehunters ‘Capricorne’ and ‘Tajo’. The NATO Mine Counter Measures Standing Naval Group 2 (SNMCMG-2) contributed with the minehunters ‘Cattistock’ (UK) and ‘Alanya’ (Turkey). This Task Force is under the command of the German Navy captain Marco Von Coelln.

The mines used in ‘Spanish Minex-13’ are simulated, totally harmless and environmentally friendly. They are collected and removed once the exercise is over. As it is becoming customary with this type of drills, the sea bottom of the area was thoroughly cleaned after the exercise.