Probably the largest ship in the Spanish Navy is visiting Motril Port and holding an open day on the 13th of October.

The Juan Carlos I is a multi-purpose, amphibious-assault-ship-cum-aircraft carrier. Equipped with AV-8B Harriers. The vessel is named in honour of the former King, Juan Carlos I.

It’s basically LST for amphibious operations and with Harriers it can supply its own air cover. The Spanish Navy decommissioned its two LSTs together its old A/C, Príncipe de Asturias for this all-in-one option.

Apart from the ageing Harriers (American versions), it can accommodate F-35 Lightning II and large helicopters (Chinooks or Ospreys), thanks to its 202-metre long deck and ski-jump ramp.

As well as a crew of 900, it has room for 1,200 Marines and their equipment & vehicles, thanks to a multi-funtional garage and hangar space on two decks. The rear deck can hold four landing craft for putting men and vehicles on a beach.

Editorial Comment: for Barry the salty, grease monkey: the ship uses two 7860 KW diesel-electric engines and azimuthal pods.

(News: Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)