A spectacular air-naval exhibition of the Spanish Navy in Vigo in images

@DefAviation ES 7·13·2024 · 21:33 0

This Friday, July 12, Samil beach, in Vigo, was the scene of a fabulous aeronaval exhibition by the Spanish Navy.

Images of the hangars of the Spanish LHD 'Juan Carlos I' L-61 at maximum capacity
NATO highlights and shows the 'air power' of the Spanish aircraft carrier 'Juan Carlos I'

The exhibition was carried out by the Expeditionary Combat Group "Daedalus" 24, on its last stop before returning to its bases. The aircraft carrier "Juan Carlos I" L-61 was located in the shelter of the Cíes Islands, deploying two LCM-1E landing craft, two EAV-8B+ Harrier II from the 9th Squadron and an AB-212 helicopter from the 3rd Squadron.

Meanwhile, the frigate "Blas de Lezo" F-103, sailing near the northern mouth of the Ría de Vigo, deployed an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter from the 10th Squadron. From the transatlantic dock in the port of Vigo, the amphibious assault ship "Galicia" L-51 deployed two other LCM-1E landing craft and several assault craft from the Tercio de Armada.

The assault on the beach was carried out by soldiers from the Tercio de Armada. Some comrades were waiting for them on the beach entrenched in the sand, acting as an opposition force. On the promenade and in the Samil sandy area, thousands of people followed this exhibition amidst applause and expressions of astonishment. The assault operation began around 4:00 p.m. local time and lasted just over 20 minutes, including the withdrawal of the force once the exercise was over. You can see a 4K quality video of this exhibition here:

You can see some of the photos I took of this exhibition here:

A VAMTAC broadcasts on Samil beach, before the exhibition.

The first soldiers were disembarked using the fast rope system by an AB-212 helicopter.

TEAR members indicating the landing place with red smoke.

The assault boats were the first to reach the beach.

TEAR soldiers jumping to the shore from the boats. They carried G-36E assault rifles and FN Minimi light machine guns.

Soldiers turning an assault boat on the shore, to leave it in the starting position ready for withdrawal.

TEAR soldiers formed a perimeter on the beach to protect the arrival of the landing craft. This soldier was pointing his FN Minimi machine gun in my direction.

The landing of a VAMTAC ST-5 armed with a 12.7 mm Browning M-2 machine gun.

Two VAMTAC ST-5s armed with Spike anti-tank missiles.

A Harrier II on one of the passes these planes made.

Soldiers running along the beach towards the enemy.

The SH-60B providing support to soldiers with its machine gun.

Two soldiers responding to enemy fire.

Advancing through Samil in shooting position. Blank ammunition was used during the exercise.

A Harrier II hovering in front of Samil.

A Harrier II and an AB-212 in the joint pass made by the aircraft participating in this exhibition.

This was the only vehicle that did not disembark. The Navy has it in reserve in case a landing craft becomes stranded. This machine would be responsible for pushing it out to sea.

If you want to see more images, I have uploaded a total of 133 photos of this series to my Flickr account. You can see them here: