Task group

Anna Ellis

OVER the weekend of June 3, the Spanish Navy paid a visit to the Almeria Port with a variety of ships.

According to reports from the Ministry of Defence, these ships will form part of a multinational group (Task Group) that, under the command of the Commander of the 41st Escuadrilla, Captain Isidro Carrara Navas, will take part in the FLOTEX­23 exercises, those of greater entity that the Navy programmes annually.

With the presence of more than 4,700 troops, 19 ships, two submarines, 16 aircraft and 80 Marine Infantry vehicles, the FLOTEX 23 exercises will be an excellent opportunity to raise the level of training and foster interoperability between Navy units and with participating units from other navies and armies.

The exercise will take place between the Andalucian coast, with an amphibious landing on the Almeria beaches of El Alquián and Quitapellejos, and the Catalan and Balearic coasts; and aims to assess, analyse and certify the capabilities of the Naval Force to face the most demanding threats and scenarios.

tion prior to the big day begins on Saturday, July 8, at 9.00am with a pétanque championship, which will last 12 hours.

“At midday, we will enjoy a Foam Party and Colour Party which we have organised especially for the enjoyment of children.

“After this party, the marquee will open with tapas tasting in the Amphitheatre of Pago del Lugar.

“Following on there will be a trio of concerts. At 4.30pm a concert by ‘Fusión de barrio’, at 7.30pm a concert by ‘Dos indios y un palomo’ and at midnight a concert by ‘Los Vinilos’.

The festivities then continue on Saturday, July 15, from 11.30am with the Swimming Race from the Levante Quay to the Ice Factory in the Port of Adra; the ‘cucaña’, in the ice factory; and the traditional ‘Moraga’, at 1.30pm in the Fish Market.

SOME of the lighthouses managed by the Almeria Port Authority (APA) are much more than maritime signals: they are unique places, including museums facing the sea.

The president of the APA, Rosario Soto, confirmed: “All Almerians and visitors have the doors of the Almeria Lighthouse, the Mesa Roldán Lighthouse in Carboneras and the Sabinal Lighthouse in El Ejido open.

“You can visit them as a group for free from Monday to Friday. They are true trea­