Princess Leonor is about to write an unprecedented page in Spanish monarchical history by embarking as a midshipman on the advanced frigate Blas de Lezo. At 19 years old, the heiress is completing her comprehensive military training, which includes land academy, sailing on Elcano, and now real naval maneuvers.
After docking at the port of New York, Leonor returns to Spain to enter what will be her new "home." "It's one of the most capable and advanced frigates in the world; prepared to operate in demanding scenarios," explains the ship's captain.
Princess Leonor continues making history
Princess Leonor has already arrived in New York to complete her training on Elcano. From there, she will take a plane to Spain while the rest of her classmates continue sailing. However, the heiress still has one stop left before returning to Zarzuela.
Her next destination will be the frigate Blas de Lezo, where Princess Leonor will continue making history. In what will be her new "home," the princess will learn firsthand what real naval maneuvers involve. That is, the operation of missiles and the ability to locate the enemy on the high seas.
Blas de Lezo belongs to the Álvaro de Bazán class, distinguished by its radar capable of tracking ninety targets simultaneously at almost 311 mi. (500 km). With missiles, artillery, and torpedoes, the frigate guarantees cutting-edge optimal anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine protection.
In this new stage, Princess Leonor will learn how to operate it, stand watch, practice maneuvers, train in damage control, and participate in shooting exercises. Never before has a woman so close to the Spanish throne carried out a prolonged operational deployment on a frigate like the one Leonor will undertake in a few days.
For this reason, Felipe's successor will make history, while continuing the steps once taken by her father and grandfather. The experience on the frigate Blas de Lezo will be a essential learning experience for her future reign. She will remain there until early July, when she will board Elcano again to complete the last leg of the training ship's journey.
Princess Leonor begins her military maneuvers
The frigate Blas de Lezo is not just any vessel. The ship usually serves as an escort in NATO forces, participating in operations in the Baltic and the Mediterranean. Pedro Ramos Carbonell, the captain of this ship, describes it as "one of the most capable and advanced in the world."
Indeed, it features great technology and equipment, designed "to operate in demanding scenarios." Princess Leonor will have to adapt to this new environment, completely different from Elcano. In addition, she will share space with 200 more people responsible for teaching her everything necessary regarding naval safety and protection.
The officers will take advantage of her presence to teach her about naval leadership, command ethics, and decision-making under pressure. After all, it's a warship, which will lead Leonor to become a military officer with everything that entails.
For one month, the princess will live with missiles, bombs, and electronic warfare systems. She will also experience the launch of a real torpedo from the S-81 Isaac Peral submarine at real targets.
Princess Leonor will know what it means to participate in war actions on a ship created for that purpose. However, setting aside the intensity she will face for a month, the heiress will also have advantages.
She will have a larger cabin, as well as a good internet connection. This will help her keep closer contact with her loved ones before finally reuniting with them.