This is 'Galerna', the Navy submarine available for visits this weekend in Alicante

The Spanish Navy's S-71 'Galerna' submarine, based in Cartagena, is making a stop at the port of Alicante from this Friday, November 29, to Sunday, December 1, after participating in the MAR-ASW 24 exercises. The vessel will be open to the public for visits this Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m., according to a statement from the Navy.

'Galerna' is the first of the Navy's Agosta-class submarines. It was built at the Bazán shipyards and made its first dive in July 1982. The vessel is 68 meters long and 6.8 meters wide. It can reach a maximum speed of 12 knots on the surface and 20.5 knots submerged. Additionally, it has a provision autonomy for 45 days. The submarine carries a total of 70 crew members, including 13 officers, 23 non-commissioned officers, and 34 sailors.

Its missions include advanced protection of a naval force against surface or submarine threats; intelligence gathering patrols, reconnaissance, and early warning; covert infiltration of special operations teams, mining, and other tasks related to denying the use of the sea, in defense of national sovereignty and interests.

The main armament consists of 4 torpedo tubes of 533 mm with a reloading system, through which torpedoes and mines can be launched. Additionally, the submarine is equipped with light weaponry (pistols, rifles, and machine guns) for defense when sailing on the surface or docked in port. Its main sensors are sonars, but it also has communication antennas, periscopes, and radars.

The MAR-ASW 24 exercises are an advanced national exercise involving naval units from different commands to enhance collective anti-submarine warfare training. Air and Space Force units and the United States Navy also participate.

According to the Navy, these activities are of "great value for the crews of the participating units. Through various exercises, including the actual firing of torpedoes, the maneuvers are an excellent opportunity to test units and monitor and technologically update their capabilities." The aim is "to contribute, along with other state instruments, to safeguarding the prosperity and well-being of Spanish society."

Commanding the 'Galerna' is Commander Marcial Gamboa García de Lomas, who received his ensign commission in 2008. Since then, Gamboa has served on the frigate 'Victoria', the submarines Galerna and Tramontana, the patrol vessel Infanta Cristina, and the Evaluation and Certification Organization in Cartagena. Additionally, between 2017 and 2018, he commanded the patrol vessel Tagomago.

Due to space limitations, visits will be conducted in groups of a maximum of 15 or 20 people, lasting approximately 20 minutes, with a total of 600 passes available. Those without a pass will be allowed to access the dock and take photographs from the outside.

If there is availability in the group boarding with a pass, others may join. The guided tour will include a walk through different compartments of the ship, where the missions and operations of the submarine will be explained. Additionally, "access to the submarine must be via a vertical ladder, so boarding will not be authorized for individuals with reduced mobility or young children," according to Navy sources.