Operación Hispaniola

Operación Hispaniola^[1] (Operation Hispaniola^[2]) was Spain's military relief operation for Haiti, following the 12 January 2010 earthquake. The mission was expected to last until at least 4 May 2010.^[3]

The headquarters for the mission was the SPS Castilla.^[2] Their encampment at Petit-Goâve was named "Camp Gloria".^[4]

Force composition

• Castilla, an amphibious assault ship^[1]
  • Castilla's complement:
    • 4 helicopters^[5]
    • Fast boats^[6]
  • Transported on Castilla:
    • Field hospital^[7]
    • 423 ground troops^[8]
      • Engineering unit^[1]
        • Bulldozers^[1]
      • Logistics unit^[1]
        • 2 water purification units^[1]
    • 50 medical officers^[7]
      • 28 doctors and nurses^[9]
    • 23 Guardia Civil^[1]
• 37 members of the Unidad Militar de Emergencias^[10]

Mission timeline

On 17 January 2010, the Unidad de Emergencias Militares (UME) arrived to help. It was the first deployment of the UME outside of Spanish territory.^[11]

On 19 January 2010, it was announced that Castilla would transport a field hospital, 50 medical officers, 450 troops.^[7] Also on board are three helicopters,^[5] and several fast boats.^[6]

On 21 January 2010, the mission for the 37 members of the Unidad de Emergencias Militares (UME) ended.^[12]

Castilla left Rota (Cadiz) on 22 January 2010, carrying 23 members of the Guardia Civil, 423 troops, and 4 helicopters, headed for Petit-Goâve, Haiti.^[1][8]

On 29 January 2010, the first six troopers of the expanded mission arrived in Port-au-Prince.^[13]

On 1 February 2010, Castilla arrives at San Juan in Puerto Rico to pick up additional supplies.^[9][14]

On 4 February 2010, Castilla arrives at Petit-Goâve.^[9] 350 people were treated, and 2 surgeries performed at the onboard sickbay.^[15]

As of 5 February 2010, landing craft from the ship have started disgorging equipment. Spanish military sappers have started to clear the road to Port-au-Prince, which had been covered by landslides.^[16]

Castilla is expected to remain on-station at Petit-Goâve for three months.^[17]

As of 7 February 2010, the Spanish medical team has been using the hospital in Petit-Goâve, Notre Dame de Petit-Goâve.^[18]

On 9 February 2010, 10 kilolitres of water were distributed. The water purification plants have been producing 12 kL of water per day.^[19]

As of 11 February 2010, 155 patients have been treated, 144 tonnes of aid have been delivered.^[10]

As of 15 March 2010, the Spanish frigate Álvaro de Bazán, delivered supplies and fresh personnel.^[20]