From May 21 to 30, 2025, CUD-ENM professors Mr. Rubén Nocelo and Mr. Antonio Eirís boarded the Amphibious Assault Ship L-52 “Castilla.” During this period, three navigation transits were carried out: Coruña–Lisbon, Lisbon–Ceuta, and Ceuta–Rota. The professors had the opportunity to embark on this Navy vessel at the same time as a group of students from the Spanish Naval Academy, as part of their end-of-year training cruise. The group included 1st-year midshipmen (ASP1º), 2nd-year midshipmen (ASP2º), and 2nd-year sergeant cadets (GM2º).
The Amphibious Assault Ship “Castilla” is the second vessel of the “Galicia” class and is designed to transport troops, amphibious vehicles, and helicopters. Its mission is to conduct amphibious operations in support of peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid, providing medical assistance in natural disaster situations. In addition, the “Castilla” serves as the command ship for the “High Readiness Maritime Headquarters” in NATO maritime operations, due to its increased command and control capabilities.
During the voyages, the teachers received explanations from the officers of the ship’s main installations such as the control bridge, the engine room, the Combat Information Center, the flood dock and the radio rooms. During the crossing from Coruña to Lisbon, the teachers also had the opportunity to watch from the control bridge a supply exercise with the frigate “Santa María” (F-81). They also witnessed two “general quarters” drills and participated in an abandon ship exercise.
During the transit from Ceuta to Rota, the professors were able to observe the ballasting of compartments during the flooding of the well deck and the embarkation of three LCMs (Landing Craft Mechanized).
In addition, they shared daily life on board with officers, students, and the Spanish Naval Academy’s brigade commanders. The professors attended the presentations given by the students on port entry approaches, as well as cultural and safety briefings for each of the ports visited, and reports on the watch duties performed by the students.
As well as life on board, the professors had the opportunity to take part in port activities, such as visiting the ship “Intermares” (A-41) and the frigate “Santa María” (F-81) in Lisbon. In Ceuta, the professors attended the solemn flag-lowering ceremony on the occasion of DIFAS25 and observed a tactical demonstration by the Montesa Cavalry Regiment Nº. 3, getting a close look at both the armored vehicles and the weapon systems used in the maneuvers.
