The Spanish Navy Amphibious Air-Naval Task Group ‘Dédalo-23’ heads towards Turkey.

After the catastrophic aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in the early hours of February 6, the Amphibious Task Group 'Dédalo 23', which was deployed in the Mediterranean since January 16 participating in several exercises and manoeuvers, set sail towards the southern Turkish coast ready to provide support and humanitarian aid to the affected population. The task group is under operational control of the Spanish Navy Operations Command. The Group boasts different air and naval capabilities, including land-related operations. These may be carried out by the 500 marines currently onboard, who will collaborate in the distribution of humanitarian aid, clearing up debris, treatment and evacuation of wounded people.

To facilitate the mobility of material and people the task group has 12 trucks and 40 light vehicles, which could be used for evacuations and transport of those affected. The helicopters on board can also be used for this purpose, thanks to the battalion's capability to establish helipads in hard-to-reach areas.

They could also provide tent accommodation with electricity, showers and mess services for 100 people. As regards food, the marines will immediately make available to the victims enough provisions and bottled water to sustain 1,000 people for up to 9 days. In terms of medical assistance, in addition to an outposts on land, medical care will be made available on board ships thanks to the ship’s hospital and medical facilities.

The LHD 'Juan Carlos I' and the LPD 'Galicia', thanks to their capability to operate helicopters and landing craft simultaneously, as well as their ample means of communication, can act as a humanitarian hub and as an advanced base and command post.

All these capabilities are complemented by the auxiliary oiler and replenishment ship 'Cantabria', whose capacity to load material and fuel would guarantee the continuity of operations for the necessary time. The Amphibious Task Group 'Dédalo 23' is scheduled to reach the coasts of southern Turkey during the afternoon of next Wednesday, February 8.