His Royal Highness the Prince of Asturias, accompanied by Minister of Defence, the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy and other military authorities attended on Wednesday the official farewell ceremony at Rota naval base to the aircraft carrier ‘Principe de Asturias’, which is to be decommissioned after 25 years of service.
On arrival, after being greeted by the authorities, HRH Prince Felipe attended a lecture on the history of the aircraft carrier.
The Prince has also witnessed a naval demonstration exercise, in which four planes ‘Harrier AV8’ belonging to the 9th Squadron Aircraft Fleet of the Navy flew over the ship and returned back to the deck.
The naval exercise ended with a flypast comprising three helicopters ‘AB 212’ of the 3rd Squadron, three helicopters ‘Seaking SH3D’ of the 5th Squadron, three helicopters ‘Huges 500’ of the 6th Squadron and three aircraft ‘Harrier’.
After the naval demonstration, the Prince Felipe closed with his signature the Book of Honor of the ship.
The aircraft carrier ‘Principe de Asturias’ continues its journey to Ferrol, where she will be decommissioned concluding her operational life.
The Príncipe de Asturias (R-11), originally named Almirante Carrero Blanco, was an aircraft carrier, the flagship of the Spanish Navy.
She was built in Bazan’s Shipyards and delivered to the Spanish Navy on 30 May 1988.
The ship was permanently assigned to the Alpha Group, comprising the carrier and six Santa Maria class frigates. Other vessels such as logistic ships, tankers and corvettes are frequently assigned to the Group when required. Príncipe de Asturias and the Alpha Group have participated in peace support operations in the Adriatic Sea.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 7, 2013; Image: Spanish Navy