Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Special Naval Warfare Force
Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial
Shield of the FGNE
Active	10 June 2009
Country	Spain
Branch	Spanish Navy
Type	Special forces
Role	Special operations
Part of	Spanish Marine Infantry
Garrison/HQ	La Algameca Naval Station, Cartagena, Murcia,  Spain
Nickname(s)	Hombres rana (Frogmen), Boinas verdes (Green Berets)
Motto(s)	Serenitas et audacia
Commanders
Current commander	Colonel Pedro R. De Lema

Operators from the UOE, a unit that became part of the FGNE.

The Special Naval Warfare Force (FGNE) (Spanish: Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial) is a special unit of the Spanish Navy. It was formed on June 10, 2009. This unit was created by combining two older groups: the Special Operations Unit (UOE) from the Spanish Navy Marines and the Special Combat Divers Unit (UEBC).

Before the FGNE was officially formed, these two units worked together under one command. The UOE had been doing special operations for the Spanish Navy since 1967. The FGNE has kept many of the UOE's traditions. This includes wearing the special forces "green beret" and using the "Capacitación" selection course. The FGNE is known as one of Europe's most respected special forces.

What the FGNE Does

The Special Naval Warfare Force is a special unit of the Spanish Navy. They are experts in operations that happen in the sea, on land, and along coastlines. Most of their members are from the Marines.

The unit has different parts, including a command center and teams that support them. They also have combat units and groups that help with things like health, supplies, and weapons.

Here are some of the important jobs they do:

• Checking out coastlines and beaches.
• Exploring deep inland areas.
• Taking direct action on land targets. This can include destroying enemy buildings or capturing enemy people.
• Attacking ships.
• Helping other military groups.
• Helping people leave dangerous areas safely.
• Rescuing people who have been taken hostage.
• Working against groups that cause trouble or terrorism.

Who Leads the FGNE?

The Special Naval Warfare Force is led by a colonel or a ship-of-the-line captain. This leader is called the Commander of the Special Naval Warfare Force. Since the FGNE is part of the Spanish Marines, it also reports to the General Commander of the Marines.

Where the FGNE Has Served

The FGNE has been sent to many different places for various operations. They have served in Atalanta in Somalia, which helps fight piracy. They also worked with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Another mission was Hispaniola in Haiti.

In October 2009, the Special Naval Warfare Force helped during the hijacking of a Spanish fishing boat called Alakrana. They parachuted into the waters near Somalia. After their mission, the frigate Canarias picked them up.

They have also been involved in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The unit has also been sent to Senegal and Cape Verde.

Equipment They Use

The FGNE uses a variety of weapons and gear for their missions. Here are some examples:

• Pistols:

* SIG Sauer P230 * Llama M82 * FN P9-17 * Glock 17 Gen.5 * FN Five-seven

• Submachine Guns:

* FN P90 * Heckler & Koch MP5A3/A4/A5 * Heckler & Koch MP5SD3/SD4/SD5

• Assault Rifles:

* Heckler & Koch G-36E/K/C * SIG 553 * Heckler & Koch HK-416A5 11" * CETME C * CETME L/LC/LV

• Shotguns:

* Remington 870

• Machine Guns:

* FN Minimi Para 5.56mm * FN Minimi MK3 7.62mm * MK46, MK48 mod 0 * CETME Ameli * M-60D * Rheinmetall MG3

• Sniper Rifles:

* Accuracy International Arctic Warfare * AXMC .338 * Barrett M82A1/M95 * Heckler & Koch HK-417 12" ASSAULTER and 20" SNIPER

• Other Weapons:

* Rocket launcher C-100 * Rocket launcher C-90C * Mk.19 Mod.3 grenade launcher

See also

In Spanish: Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial para niños