The S-71 “Galerna” submarine calls at Porto Pi

The S-71 “Galerna” submarine has called at Porto Pi Naval Base from Sunday, March 22nd, to Tuesday, March 24th, following the completion of individual and joint training exercises with other Navy units in the Mediterranean.

According to the Spanish Navy, the “Galerna” submarine was the first of its class, built in Cartagena by the shipyards of the state-owned company Bazán and delivered to the Navy on January 21st, 1983.

It has more than forty years of service to Spain, during which it has also taken part in international missions under EU and NATO command.

One of the exercises carried out was simulated mine-laying, aimed at preventing the hypothetical passage of enemy vessels, protecting friendly access points and controlling shipping routes.

The Navy has pointed out that submarines are the ideal asset for carrying out this type of operation. Their stealth and versatility in the range of missions they can perform give submarines a deterrent power that no other unit can match.

The “Galerna,” based at the Cartagena Naval Arsenal, is 68 meters long with a beam of 6.8 meters. It can reach a maximum speed of 12 knots on the surface and 20.5 knots when submerged. It also has food supplies autonomy for 45 days.

A total of 70 men and women serve aboard the submarine, including 13 officers, 23 non-commissioned officers, and 34 enlisted sailors.

Its missions include the forward protection of a naval force against surface and/or submarine threats, intelligence-gathering patrols, reconnaissance and early warning patrols, covert infiltration of special operations teams, mine-laying, and other tasks related to sea denial or the defense of areas of sovereignty and national interest.