Spanish marines hone interoperability with aircraft squadron

Spanish Marine Corps Special Naval Warfare Force (FGNE in its Spanish initials) exercised with the Spanish 5th Aircraft Squadron made up of Sikorsky SH-3D helicopters in Cartagena, Spain.

The purpose of the training exercise was to implement common operational procedures and enhance interoperability between different naval and MC elements.

The exercises consisted of sharp-shooting from helicopters, day and night boarding of vessels from helicopters, evacuation of casualties (MEDEVAC) and insertion of forces (HELOCAST).

Other drills included day and night parachuting and gunfire support to a FGNE squad while boarding a hostile vessel. Most exercises were conducted at night to train HELO pilots and FGNE marines in scenarios with poor or no visibility.

The FGNE is tasked with special operations in littoral or maritime domains, or in support of other naval operations. Its members are qualified in special reconnoiter techniques, direct action, diving, explosive handling, escape techniques, land combat, infiltration, self-defense, sniper, parachuting and high altitude parachuting (HALO/HAHO), target designator, forward air controller and counter-terrorist operations.

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