Unidad de Operaciones Especiales
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The Unidad de Operaciones Especiales (Special Operations Unit – UOE) was the elite special operations force of the Spanish Navy and marines from 1967 to 2009. In June 2009, the unit was absorbed into the newly formed Special Naval Warfare Force (Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial - FGNE), which inherited the reputation and which continues the record of the UOE.[1] The UOE was formerly garrisoned in the Tercio de Armada in San Fernando, Cádiz and operated under the direct control of the Admiralty and Special Naval Warfare Command. It was thought to comprise approximately 100 men organized into three Operational Teams (Estoles) as well as command and support personnel. The unit (and today's FGNE) has long been one of Europe's most respected special forces.[2]
This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2013) |
Spanish UOE | |
---|---|
Mando de Guerra Naval Especial | |
Active | 1952 (officially 1967) – 2009 |
Country | Spain |
Branch | Spanish Navy and Marines |
Type | Special Forces |
Role | Maritime Special Operations |
Size | 170 (approx.) |
Part of | Naval Special Warfare Command |
Garrison/HQ | Tercio de Armada |
Nickname(s) | La Unidad (The Unit) Boinas Verdes (Green Berets) |
Motto(s) | "Entra quien puede, no quien quiere" Enter those who can, not those who want |
The UOE was tasked with Special Operations in maritime, coastal, and inland environments usually up to 50 km from the sea, though this was not a restriction and its teams were known to operate deep inland. The unit's remit covered all aspects of modern Naval Special Warfare, including: Maritime Counter-Terrorism, ship boarding (MIO non-compliant), combat diving and swimming, coastal infiltration, airborne insertion, special reconnaissance, direct action, VIP protection and escort, and combat search and rescue (CSAR).
For these purposes, the UOE employed a wide range of naval and other military platforms, including submarines, frigates, soft- and rigid-hull inflatable boats, land vehicles, as well as helicopters and airplanes for airborne insertions.