Honoring a Naval Tradition: Historic Names to Christen the Next F-110 frigates

The Spanish Navy has proudly announced the names of the 5 new F-110 frigates which are currently being built by ‘Navantia’ in its Ferrol Shipyards. The names of these state-of-the-art ships pay tribute to a series of illustrious sailors who have left a deep-rooted imprint in the naval history of Spain.

The ‘Bonifaz’-class frigates will be christened with the names of five renowned sailors: ‘Bonifaz’ (F-111), ‘Roger de Lauria’ (F-112), ‘Menéndez de Avilés’ (F-113), ‘Luis de Córdova’ (F-114) and ‘Barceló’ (F-115).

1. ‘Bonifaz’ (F-111): Ramón de Bonifaz served under King Fernando III in the 13^th His squadron was crucial during the siege of Seville, cutting off the lines of communication along the Guadalquivir River and destroying a defensive craft-bridge in 1248. This victory was key to the final conquest of Seville and his contribution is tightly linked to the origins of the Spanish Navy. 

2. ‘Roger de Lauria’ (F-112): He was a 13^th century admiral of the Crown of Aragon who participated in many naval battles with victories over the French House of Anjou. He conquered territories in Italy, defended Majorca and defeated Byzantine fleets. 

3. ‘Menéndez de Avilés’ (F-113): The name of this frigate commemorates the feats of the 16^th century sailor Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. He fought privateers and participated in the Battle of ‘San Quintín’. He subsequently served the Navy in Flanders, explored the coasts of Florida and South Carolina and was appointed Governor of Florida. He decisively contributed to the defense of the Caribbean and died in 1574 after a very successful naval career. 

4. ‘Luis de Córdova’ (F-114): This frigate pays tribute to Luis de Córdova who participated in the conquest of Oran in 1732 and the ‘Reconquista’ of the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily in 1734. He was Director General of the Navy and contributed to the Independence of the United States. He also led the siege of Gibraltar until the peace with Great Britain in 1783. He was awarded the Order of Calatrava and the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Carlos III. 

5. ‘Barceló’ (F-115): The last frigate of the series is named after Antonio Barceló, an 18^th century sailor, famous for his skills in naval combats. He fought Berber privateers and participated in the relief campaigns of Al Hoceima and Melilla. With his fleet of gun-boats he participated in the battles of Algiers and Tangier in 1792. He died that same year in Majorca. 

The Spanish Navy wants not only to underline the advanced technology of these future frigates, but to pay tribute to a series of sailors whose courage and sacrifice definitely enhanced the naval history of Spain.