The Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial (FGNE), known as the Special Naval Warfare Force, is Spain’s Navy elite unit consisting of Marines and Navy personnel. Tracing its traditions back to the 1950s, the FGNE is now a modernized unit formed from the merger of two previous special operations units. The force undergoes intense training and specializes in operations both at sea and on land, likening them to the proficiency of the U.S. Navy Seals.
Key Points:
- The FGNE was formed by merging two former special operations units in the Navy: the Special Operations Unit (UOE) of the Tercio de Armada and the Special Unit of Combat Divers “Comandante Gorordo” (UEBC) of the Navy’s Diving Centre.
- FGNE’s motto is “Serenitas et audacia” translating to “Serenity and audacity.” The unit’s emblem is a “machete model 1941” superimposed on two golden crossed anchors, topped by the Spanish royal crown.
- Since its establishment, the FGNE has been involved in several international operations, such as ATALANTA in Somali waters, FINUL in Lebanon, and HISPANIOLA in Haiti.
- The FGNE structure consists of command and control units, six combat ‘Estols’ (equivalent to companies), and support units. The training is intense with only 40% of applicants passing, and those who succeed are trained in a broad range of skills from diving to ground combat.
- The Joint Special Operations Headquarters (MCOE) oversees the three SOF branches in Spain, including the FGNE, ensuring coordination and combined exercises between them.
Source: https://greydynamics.com/fuerza-de-guerra-naval-especial-fgne-spains-navy-seals/
