NAVYLEAGUEFall 2005 · Number 1 MADRID COUNCIL

Eduardo Aguirre Jr. U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra

NAVYLEAGUE MADRID COUNCIL

NAVY LEAGUE OF MADRID. ESTABLISHED 1965 OFFICERS 2005-2006

HONORARY PRESIDENT President’s Message H.E. Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre Jr. 4 PRESIDENT 5 COVER STORY Thomas B. Denegre III US Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre Jr.

VICE PRESIDENT FEATURES Scott Cochrane 9 Admiral General Francisco Torrente Sánchez, Director General for SECRETARY Defense Policy, Ministry of Defense, Spain Eva García Captain Kevin Little, USN, Defense and Naval Attaché, U.S. Embassy, Madrid TREASURER Stewart Cusden SPECIAL REPORTS MASTER-AT-ARMS 12 200th Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Trafalgar Loic Colodrón NLUS Award: Graduation Ceremony at the Naval Academy in Marín JUDGE ADVOCATE Alexander Grant TALK OF THE TOWN 14 The May Cocktail DIRECTORS The Gala Ball Michael Curry Cynthia Dillon PERSPECTIVES James Dodson 17 The Role of the Naval Forces in the Fight Against Terrorism Luis Fernández de Mesa By Rafael Ortega González James Levy

ADVISERS DEFENDING FREEDOM James Francés 19 In His Own Words: George Hall Commander John L. Rigge, RN, O.B.E. George Mahl Dan Lowell GUEST SPEAKERS 24 Mr. José Bono, Minister of Defense, Spain. Admiral General Sebastián The Magazine NAVY LEAGUE Zaragoza Soto, Naval Chief of Staff, Spanish Armada. Lt. Commander Spencer Abbot, USN. Mr. José Luis Requero Ibañez. Madrid Council Admiral Robert J. Natter, USN. (ret.) Rear Admiral José Antonio González Carrión. Captain Nigel Dedman, R.N., British Defense EDITOR/PUBLISHER Attaché. Mr. Andrew Hazell. Cynthia Dillon www.dillonhillas-dillon.com [email protected] MEMBERSHIP REPORT 28 By George Mahl ADVISER Barbara Hillas 30 TRIVIA GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRINTING NAUTICIAS... FROM OTHER COUNCILS IN SPAIN Javier de la Hoz · Gema Alberto Grupomundoprint, S.L. 31 HISTORY www.grupomundoprint.com IN THE ARTS 34 María Carretero’s “La Nave de los Conquistadores” Sculptor and Landscape Designer Depósito Legal: M-41681-2005

Cover photograph by Carlos Ferro President’s Message

t is with great pleasure and no small ty. We are still thanking the Embassy's amount of trepidation that I take the DCM, Bob Manzanares and his wife, Mar- Ihelm as your new President. Both veen for the wonderful evening at their James Francés and Joan Eischen have con- extraordinary garden this year. sistently raised the bar for those that fol- low, and our Council is all the better for it. We have just returned from the graduating ceremonies at the Spanish Naval Academy Since joining the Navy League five years in Marín. This year's recipient of the Navy ago I have seen us go through a bit of a League award to visit Annapolis and the wrenching as we struggled to find a new Norfolk Naval Operations is Cadet Rafael “rumbo”, and define just what we wanted Arias Ocejo who is first in his graduating from our Madrid Council. class. He received his diploma from HRH Prince of Asturias and Scott, Eva and I were Joan’s call for more Volunteers as commit- there to present him with the Navy tee heads or Board members is still very League's ceremonial sword. In September, appropriate. I would hope you all agree members of your Board visited Menorca to that 2005 to date has delighted us with pay tribute to Admiral David Farragut's speakers of the highest caliber that we have statue and the American sailors' cemetery. NL President Thomas B. Denegre seen in quite a while. Your suggestions for New members should know that the statue III, grew up in the Navy as the prospective speakers in order to maintain was erected by the Madrid Council in 1970. son of a now retired Captain. He this high standard, are needed. attended the University of Virginia Please join us in our continuing endeavor with a NROTC scholarship gradu- Membership Membership Membership to make our Madrid Council an ever more ating with a commission as an Bringing interesting speakers, our own important activity in our business and Ensign in 1966, and a degree in wish to meet and come to know better social agendas. If we all pull together we International Relations. He was on those with common interests (dare I say will definitely arrive at the port of our active duty in Submarine Service for four years and five years in “business?”) are key elements to adding choice. Naval Reserve. Mr. Denegre left new members. But more importantly is the Navy having attained the rank your introduction of new prospects. Since Thank you, again. of Lieutenant Commander. Since you know who they are, help us contact With best regards 1970 he has been in private busi- them, or bring them as first time guests. ness. In Madrid he owns and runs Prospective members always can attend the Thomas B. Denegre III Rental Spain, S.L. dinners at no charge so all you need to do is extend an invitation to them. www.rentalspain.com Your corporation’s Sponsorship and Advertising in the newly revamped Navy Special thanks to our advertisers: League Magazine, and in the Council • Lockheed Martin Directory, are the primary means by • Indra which we can provide you and your com- pany with greater exposure and help cement ties with the Spanish Armada. I have never met anyone who was blasé about becoming a member after attending our Gala Ball where we had an America’s Cup Yacht full of the “ top ranking Admi- rals and Generals”; or, the only slightly less formal gathering at our May Cocktail Par-

4 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 COVER STORY Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre Jr. UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO SPAIN AND ANDORRA

By C. Dillon

E. Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre Jr. recently arrived in Madrid as Hthe newly appointed Ambassador of the United States to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra. He presented his credentials to His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain on June 29th, 2005. At NL President Thomas Denegre's invitation, Ambassador Aguirre generously agreed to share with us his experiences for the inaugural issue of the updated and redesigned Navy League magazine. He and his wife María Teresa (née Peralta) cordial- ly received the author at their residence on August 2nd, 2005. For Ambassador Aguirre, the United States, “a nation of immigrants and with a history shaped by the phenomenon of In gratitude for what he believes is great equalizer, that cuts across ethnicity, immigration,” welcomed both him and his America’s “generous spirit” and an “exam- sex, national origin, and socio-economic wife María Teresa as youngsters from their ple to follow” Ambassador Aguirre accept- status.” native Cuba. In his own words, “he was ed then Governor George W. Bush’s Ambassador Aguirre spent most of his helped by the generosity of Catholic Chari- appointment to serve six years on the life in banking. He worked twenty-four ties, the American people and the United Board of Regents of the University of years for the Bank of America, where he Way.” He considers himself to be “eternally Houston System in Texas, two of which he started out as a “teller” while attending grateful to the United States for welcoming served as Chairman. This volunteer a 15 year old youngster who, removed from appointment ensured that Ambassador his native soil but with a good and solid Aguirre would provide direction to a four- childhood, had to adjust and adapt to the university system and its approximately culture, weather, food and language” of a 50,000-student body. This exposure to new country. Ambassador Aguirre consid- academia, allowed him “to understand the ers education the “key to opportunity peculiarities and importance of the envi- which helped [him] reach [his] full poten- ronment for a youngster to blossom.” In tial”,which is demonstrated by his very rich 2005 Ambassador Aguirre gave the com- and varied professional life. He first went to mencement speech to the University of the state of Louisiana where he graduated Connecticut Class of 2005. There he spoke from Louisiana State University in the of “the importance to serve others, to give 1960’s with a Bachelor of Science degree. As back, to become responsible “-gate keep- recently as last year, his alma mater’s Col- ers-” who intercede on behalf of those who lege of Business Administration inducted deserve a break or at times, a second him in its Hall of Distinction and the Inter- chance.” In fact Ambassador Aguirre was national Business Fraternity of Delta Sigma adamant that “what is important to Pi awarded him its Lifetime Achievement remember is those who helped [us]...[they Award. He is the recipient of Honorary are] not always… people with big titles, Doctorate Degrees from the University of but family, teachers, friends…” Emphati- Houston, the Universidad de Santiago de cally, he told the graduating class that “one los Caballeros, República Dominicana, and of the key elements that made all of this the University of Connecticut. possible has been [my education], the

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 5 COVER STORY

Americans living here... an all-encompass- ing mission.” Ambassador Aguirre’s federal govern- ment career began in 2001 when he was appointed by President Bush as acting chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (www.exim.gov). Ex-Im Bank, as it is popularly known, is an independent U.S. government agency that helps finance the sale of U.S. exports primarily to emerg- ing markets throughout the world by pro- viding loans, guarantees, and export credit insurance. There he served as vice chairman and chief operating officer, guiding the Ex- Im Bank through a Congressional reautho- rization and shaping the bank into a more customer service and results-oriented organization. In 2003 the President appointed him as the first Director of the Bureau of Citizen- ship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security. Ambassador Aguirre was confirmed by a unanimous Senate vote. He likes to point school, and retired from the bank as Pres- out that while “all Americans are the prod- ident of International Private Bank. An bout his Mission in Spain, the Am- uct of the phenomenon of immigration” avid traveler to Latin America, Europe and Abassador could not have been more very few find themselves in relevant posi- Asia, Ambassador Aguirre’s profession adamant in telling us that he was here “to tions that deal with immigration issues. At propelled him to be involved in extensive advance the interests of the United States this Department, which has a budget of international work with multiple civic by working with a strong and valued ally.” $1.800 billion, Ambassador Aguirre over- affiliations that allowed him to promote He will continue to foment “dialogue with saw 15.000 employees who annually serve economic growth, international trade King Juan Carlos I as Head of State and over 6.000.000 citizenship applications and experience, and business opportunities for with the government of President he was instrumental in bringing to the more than three decades. Recognized as an Rodríguez Zapatero [and] to get to know Department innovation and technology to exemplary leader, his team was consistent- and establish dialogue with the regional, improve the process of the applications, ly acknowledged for excellence in cus- business, and academic circles as well as customer service and national security. tomer and employee satisfaction. During the news media and the people of Spain.” Ambassador Aguirre explained to us that his banking career he was known for a Ambassador Aguirre sees a “need to the US naturalizes approximately 700.000 career of distinction and prominence in understand and serve the American com- foreign nationals each year. Of the soldiers the field, and was singled out for three munity that lives in Spain and we will do serving in the US military between 40.000 consecutive years as “one of the 100 most all we can to serve those needs as well as and 45.000 of them are non-citizens. After influential Hispanics in the nation” by continue being a friendly provider of con- 9/11 President Bush with Congress’ Hispanic Business Magazine, and the sular and diplomatic services.” approval amended a law so that resident Ambassador and the bank were featured in aliens, who were members of the military, Latino Success published by Simon & could become US citizens outside the Schuster in 1996. country for the first time in history. Before Today, in his new position as President succeed with the proper training available October 1st, 2004, these same resident Bush’s representative in Spain, the Ambas- and with autonomy and discretion [to aliens had to travel to the US to become sador believes that implementing “the cus- make decisions]; the shareholders are the citizens. Because the country was engaged tomer-employee-shareholder satisfaction tax payers, the public sector, who are in a war with terror it was difficult for the [formula] is important because it ultimate- investing and want the organization to be soldiers to abandon their posts and “pur- ly carries over to government…” The managed effectively and efficiently.” For sue their interest in becoming citizens.” Ambassador’s formula defines the cus- Ambassador Aguirre, the Embassies of the Ambassador Aguirre reflects that one of tomers as “the people we serve: the travel- United States not only represent the coun- the most poignant moments of his career ing American citizen who needs help, the try but also should help promote the inter- was last October 2004 when he traveled to Spanish citizen who needs document pro- est of freedom on an international scale as Bagram Air force Base in Afghanistan and cessing, or a US company selling its prod- well as work to combat terrorism. He is to Camp Victory Baghdad in Iraq to swear uct [or service]. The employees, also very convinced that he is in Madrid in order “to in as citizens a host of soldiers in “combat important, are the US citizens or the local foster dialogue with the people of Spain” and full battle gear.” This was a special workers who must have the opportunity to and recognizes as well his “responsibility to moment for the soldiers as well because, as

6 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 COVER STORY

the Ambassador noted, “by becoming citi- Embajador Eduardo zens, these soldiers could achieve anything en el Comité de Regentes del Sistema they wanted, including promotions to offi- Aguirre Jr. Universitario de Texas, durante dos de cer rank.” los cuales fue su presidente. Este servi- We asked the Ambassador about his .E. El embajador Eduardo Aguirre Jr. cio voluntario ayudó a el embajador relationship with President Bush and he Sllegó recientemente a Madrid como Aguirre para que dirigiera el sistema de candidly responded that it dates back to el nuevo Embajador de los EEUU ante el cuatro universidades con sus 50.000 1977 with former President George HW Reino de España y el Principado de estudiantes. Esta exposición a lo acadé- Bush and the actual President’s father. Andorra. Presentó sus credenciales a SM mico le permitió “comprender las pecu- Ambassador Aguirre profoundly admires El Rey Juan Carlos I de España el 29 de liaridades y la importancia que tiene el the elder Bush and considers him “an Junio de 2005. entorno para el desarrollo de un jóven”. inspiration; his heroic qualities inspires A raíz de una invitación cursada por En el 2005 el Embajador Aguirre dió el me to achieve more.” Ambassador Aguirre Thomas Denegre, presidente de la NL, el discurso de fin de año a la Clase de Gra- served the former President as a volunteer Embajador Aguirre accedió generosa- duación del 2005 de la Universidad de in the President’s National Commission mente a compartir sus experiencias con Connecticut. Allí habló de “ la impor- for Employment Policy. Over the years the nosotros para el número inaugural de la tancia de servir a otros, de devolver, de relationship between the two men evolved renovada revista de la Navy League. Él y asumir responsabilidades- [de ser] into a more personal one once Ambas- su mujer Maria Teresa Peralta cordial- “guardianes”- de interceder por otros sador Aguirre began serving under George mente recibieron a la autora, en su resi- que merecen ayuda o, a veces, una W. Bush, first when he was Governor of dencia, el 2 de agosto de 2005. segunda oportunidad”. Para el embaja- Texas and later, when he became President Para el Embajador Aguirre, los dor Aguirre “ lo importante de recordar of the United States. EEUU, “una nación de inmigrantes y es a aquéllos que nos han ayudado...que The Ambassador and Mrs. Aguirre con una historia formada por el fenóme- no siempre son gentes con grandes títu- trace their roots to the Basque and Navarra no de la inmigración” recibieron a él y a los sino familiares, profesores, amigos...” regions respectively. Mrs. Aguirre, a retired su mujer María Teresa como jóvenes de Recalcó enfáticamente a los graduados elementary and junior high school teacher, su Cuba natal. En sus propias palabras, que “ un elemento clave que hizo todo is also an avid defender of education and “fué ayudado por la generosidad de cari- esto posible, ha sido [mi educación], el plans to volunteer her time in this field and dades católicas, el pueblo americano y la gran igualador, que traspone las [barre- work with children. The Aguirres have two United Way.” Se considera “eternamente ras] étnicas, de genéro, de orígenes, y children: Eddie, the twenty-seven year old agradecido a los EEUU por haber recibi- socio-económicas.” son, is a teacher in Houston and is in the do a un jóven de 15 años que , sustraído El embajador Aguirre pasó mucha process of getting his certification to teach de su tierra natal pero con una niñez de parte de su vida dedicado a la banca. Tra- and a daughter,Tessie, twenty-four, attends formación buena y sólida, tuvo que ajus- bajó veinticuatro años para el Bank of medical school at George Washington Uni- tarse y adaptarse a la cultura, al clima, a America, dónde empezó como “cajero” versity in Washington, D.C. la comida y a la lengua” de un nuevo mientras iba al colegio y se retiró del mis- In parting, we asked the Ambassador país. El Embajador Aguirre considera la mo como Presidente de la Banca Privada what his thoughts were about the news that educación la “llave a la oportunidad que Internacional. Un viajante incansable de the Spanish Ministry of Defense had lo ayudó a alcanzar de lleno su potencia- América Latina, Europa y Asia, la profe- awarded a €200 million contract to Lock- lidad,” demostrada por su rica y variada sión del embajador Aguirre lo llevó a par- heed Martin. “The relationship between vida profesional. Se trasladó primero al ticipar en un gran trabajo internacional Spain and the US military is solid, serving estado de Luisiana dónde se graduó de la con múltiples afiliaciones cívicas que le the interests of both countries. Minister Universidad de Luisiana en los años 60 permitieron promover el crecimiento Bono and Secretary Rumsfeld have a good, licenciándose en Ciencias. Tan reciente- económico, adquirir experiencia en el personal and business relationship. Spain mente como el año pasado, el Colegio de ámbito de comercio internacional, y has two bases, Morón and Rota, where they Administración de Empresas de su alma oportunidades en los negocios, por más allow us to operate. I have visited both and mater lo inductó en su “Cuadro de Dis- de tres décadas. Reconocido como un know first-hand that US/Spain relations tinción” y la Fraternidad Internacional líder ejemplar, su grupo de trabajo fue are extremely solid and cooperative. On de Negocios de Delta Sigma Pi lo premió consistentemente reconocido por la exce- the Navy side, Navantia is building sub- por toda una “Vida de Logros” (Lifetime lencia de las relaciones con el consumidor marines that will include the LM technolo- Achievement Award). También tiene y el empleado. Durante su experiencia gy/missile platforms to make them more títulos honorarios de Doctrorados de las bancaria fue reconocido por una carrera effective. The Pentagon has authorized the Universidad de Houston, de Connecti- de distinción y prominencia en el sector y sale of the Tomahawk missiles to be opera- cut y de la Universidad de Santiago de fue distinguido por tres años consecutivos tional on Spanish submarines. We are los Caballeros, (Rep. Dominicana). como unos de los “100 hispanos más thankful for this business opportunity but En gratitud por lo que él cree es el influyentes en el país” por el Hispanic most importantly we applaud the govern- “espíritu generoso” de América y un Business Magazine, y el embajador y el ment and military for choosing such an “ejemplo a seguir” el embajador Aguirre banco aparecieron en” Latino Success” outstanding and fine technology that will aceptó del entonces Gobernador George (Éxito Latino), publicado por Simon & make a win-win-win situation for the US W. Bush la elección de servir seis años Schuster en 1996. O and Spain.”

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 7 COVER STORY

O¤¤Hoy, en su nueva posición como ta señalar que, mientras “todos los ame- regionales, de negocios, acádemicos, y el representante del Presidente Bush en ricanos son el producto del fenómeno de también con los medios de comunica- España, el embajador cree que “imple- inmigración” muy pocos se encuentran ción y las gentes de España.” El embaja- mentando la [fórmula] satisfacción del en posiciones relevantes que tengan que dor Aguirre ve “una necesidad para consumidor-empleado-accionista es ver con cuestiones de inmigración. En entender y servir a la comunidad ameri- importante porque trasciende al gobier- este Departamento, que tiene un presu- cana en España y nosotros haremos no...” La fórmula del embajador define puesto de $1.800 billones, el embajador todo lo posible para servir esas necesi- al consumidor como “ la gente a la que Aguirre supervisó 15.000 empleados que dades y al mismo tiempo continuar servimos, el ciudadano americano que anualmante servían 6.000.000 de solici- siendo un proveedor amigable de servi- viaja y que necesita ayuda, el ciudadano tudes para obtener la ciudadanía y fué cios consulares y diplomáticos.” español que necesita procesar su docu- instrumental para traer al Departamento Le preguntamos al embajador sobre mentación o la compañía americana innovación y tecnología para mejorar el su relación con el Presidente Bush y nos que necesita vender sus productos [o proceso de las solicitudes, el servicio al respondió cándidamente que se remonta servicios]. Los empleados, también muy consumidor y la seguridad nacional. El al año 1977 con el anterior Presidente importantes, son los ciudadanos ameri- embajador Aguirre nos explicó que los George HW Bush , padre del actual pre- canos, o los trabajadores locales, que EEUU naturalizan, aproximadamente a sidente. El embajador Aguirre admira deben tener la oportunidad para triun- 700.000 extranjeros cada año. profundamente al ex-presidente Bush y far con entrenamiento adecuado y con De los soldados que están sirviendo en lo considera “una inspiración; sus cuali- autonomía y discreción [para tomar las fuerzas armadas de los EE UU ente dades heroícas me inspiran para realizar decisiones]; los accionistas son los paga- 40.000 y 50.000 no son ciudadanos ame- más”. El embajador Aguirre sirvió al dores de impuestos, el sector público, ricanos. Después del 9/11 el Presidente antiguo Presidente como voluntario en que invierten y que quieren una organi- Bush, con la aprobación del Congreso la Comisión Nacional de Póliza de zación que sea manejada con efectividad enmendó una ley para que los residentes Empleo. A través de los años la relación y eficiencia.” Para el embajador Aguirre, extranjeros que eran miembros de los entre los dos hombres evolucionó a un las embajadas de los EE UU no sólo cuerpos militares pudieran ser ciudada- nivel más personal especialmente cuan- representan al país sino que deben ayu- nos estadounidenses fuera del país, por do el Embajador Aguirre comenzó a tra- dar a promover el interés por la libertad primera vez en la historia. Anteriormente bajar para George W. Bush, primero, en una escala internacional y trabajar al 1 de octubre de 2004 estos mismos resi- cuando éste fue Gobernador de Texas, y para combatir el terrorismo. Cree firme- dentes extranjeros debían regresar a los después, cuando llegó a la Presidencia de mente que está en Madrid para “promo- EEUU para hacerse ciudadanos. Porque el EE UU. ver el diálogo con el pueblo de España” país estaba ocupado en una guerra contra El Embajador y la Sra. de Aguirre tra- y reconoce también su “responsabilidad el terror era difícil para los soldados aban- zan sus raíces en las regiones vascas y para los americanos residentes aquí... donar sus puestos para “seguir sus pro- navarras respectivamente. La Sra. de una misión que incluye a todos.” pios intereses de hacerse ciudadanos.” El Aguirre, una maestra retirada de la pri- La carrera del embajador Aguirre embajador Aguirre reflexiona que unos de maria es, también, una gran defensora de con el gobierno federal empezó en el los momentos más emocionantes en su la educación y tiene planes de hacer tra- 2001 cuando fue nombrado por el Pre- carrera fue el pasado Octubre 2004 cuan- bajo voluntario en éste área, y también sidente Bush presidente en funciones do viajó a la base Bagram Airforce base en con niños. Los Aguirres tienen dos hijos, del Banco Export-Import de los EEUU Afganistán y al Camp Victory Baghdad en Eddie, el varón de veintisiete años es un (www.exim.gov). El Ex-Im Bank, como Irak para tomarle el juramento de ciuda- maestro en Houston y está en el proceso se conoce popularmente, es una agencia danía a un grupo de soldados “en comba- de conseguir su acreditación para ense- gubernamental independiente que ayuda te y con uniforme completo de batalla.” ñar, y una hija, Tessie, de veinticuatro a financiar la venta de exportaciones de Esto fue un momento especial, también años que está en el Colegio de Medicina USA, primeramente a mercados emer- para los soldados ,quienes como dijo el de la Universidad de George Washington gentes en el mundo, dando garantías y embajador, “ al hacerse ciudadanos, estos en el Distrito de Columbia. créditos asegurados para las exportacio- soldados podrían ahora hacer lo que ellos Al partir, le preguntamos al Embaja- nes. Allí fue vice presidente y jefe de ope- quisieran, incluyendo el poder ser promo- dor que pensaba sobre la noticia que el raciones, llegando a asesorar al Ex-Im vidos a rango de oficiales.” Ministerio de Defensa español le hubiera Bank en una nueva autorización del Sobre su Misión en España, el Emba- dado un contrato de €200 millones a Congreso y a estructurar al banco en una jador no podía ser más rotundo en Lockheed Martin. “La relación entre organización más orientada al servicio decirnos que está aquí para “avanzar los España y los militares en EEUU es sólida, del consumidor y a los resultados. intereses de los Estados Unidos traba- sirviendo a los intereses de los dos países. En el 2003 el Presidente lo nombró jando con un aliado fuerte y valioso.” Él El Ministro Bono y el Secretario de como el primer Director de la Oficina de continuará fomentando el “diálogo con Defensa Rumsfeld tienen una buena rela- Servicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración el Rey Juan Carlos I como Jefe de Estado ción personal y de trabajo. España tiene- del Departamento de Homeland Secu- y con el gobierno del Presidente Rodrí- dos bases, Morón y Rota, dónde nos per- rity. El embajador Aguirre fué confirma- guez Zapatero [y] llegar a conocer y miten operar. He visitado ambas bases y do por voto unánime del Senado. Le gus- establecer un dialógo con los círculos (continúa en la página 29)

8 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 FEATURE Almirante General Francisco Torrente Sánchez DIRECTOR GENERAL DE POLÍTICA DE DEFENSA, MINISTERIO DE DEFENSA, ESPAÑA

By C. Dillon

o tengo recuerdos fuera de la Marina”,dice el Almirante Gener- N al Francisco Torrente, hoy Direc- tor General de Política de Defensa en el Ministerio de Defensa. Tiene un gran despacho lleno de recuerdos, libros, galar- dones, fotos y un enorme mapa del mundo que cubre una de las paredes. Con orgullo me explica que proviene de una familia de marinos, (sus 3 hermanos y una hermana casada con un oficial de marina) aunque su padre fue abogado jurídico de la Armada y su madre licenciada en química en el año 1936. Siendo de Ferrol, una ciudad que, según el Almirante , ha estado vinculada a la marina desde hace 250 años, ingresa a los 16 años en la Escuela Naval en 1956 y en 1961 entra a formar parte de una “marina que estaba empezando timídamente su mod- ernización, por lo tanto una marina muy quien cambia impresiones y comenta inferior a la que tenemos actualmente...” temas de actualidad cuando practican el De los 49 años de su asociación con la mismo deporte. “Es uno de mis magníficos Armada, 17 de ellos se los pasó en la mar - profesores.” una experiencia que le impulsa a decir, que.. “si tuviese que hacer una fotografía retrospectiva, los años de embarque fueron los más agradables y más profesionales de as relaciones con los americanos han toda mi vida, culminando en los barcos Lmarcado la historia de España”, que comandé. Los verdaderos problemas explica al ser preguntado por las rela- han venido en los destinos de tierra... ciones entre la US Navy y la Armada porque las decisiones que se toman en los española. “Es una relación de unos 50 despachos afectan seriamente a las per- años establecida en la confianza mutua sonas e instituciones por muchos años. de las personas y desde el con- Todos los oficiales estamos preparados vencimiento de que lo que teníamos para manejar los barcos y, por lo tanto, nos entre manos [era] beneficioso para las sentimos muy cómodos con lo que nos han dos marinas, para los dos países, para enseñado. Cuando tomamos decisiones de la defensa de los EEUU y España.” carácter estratégico, político, militar, etc., a Además cuenta cómo España en 1953, veces tenemos que encontrarnos, no con dos años antes de entrar a formar parte situaciones que uno tiene miedo, pero con de las NU ya había firmado acuerdos lo que no se conoce, y cuáles serán las posi- con los EEUU demostrando así que, a bilidades de acertar. Espero que todos los veces, “las relaciones de defensa van ¡En estos 50 años las relaciones han que han sido mis jefes, compañeros, subor- por delante de las diplomáticas y los sido extraordinarias! Explica que casi todos dinados en estos 50 años hagan un balance acuerdos con los americanos represen- los marinos han navegado en barco de con- favorable...” El Almirante, asiduo al “jog- taron la apertura de España al mundo strucción americana, como el TURIA, un ging”, todavía ve de vez en cuando al que exterior... dragaminas que él comandó, y “la fragata fue su profesor de electrónica, un Almi- Baleares que, aunque construida en España rante que debe rondar los 85 años y con su origen está en las americanas de Clase

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 9 FEATURE

Knox y se hizo con un apoyo grandísimo También, el reclutamiento de marinos es trabajando y haciendo su cometido, los americano. Hoy en España se construyen hoy más difícil al tener un ejército profe- industriales, los banqueros, los médicos las fragatas Aegis.” Y aquí interrumpe la sional. Para estar en el ejército se necesita etc., todos desempeñan un papel impor- conversación para mostrarme una foto, tener vocación, dice al mencionar que la tante, quizás los militares más directa- que le fuera enviada a su ordenador, de la competencia en el mundo laboral para los mente al haber conexión entre defensa y fragata Álvaro de Bazán navegando en jóvenes se acentúa cada vez más, las opor- seguridad...”A continuación menciona a su aguas del Pacífico haciendo maniobras con tunidades que tienen en las empresas y las madre que murió con 92 años y recalca que el grupo de combate del portaviones Roo- diferentes profesiones compiten con las nunca le hubiese permitido que se jactara sevelt. (Para los que no están al tanto de las ofertas de ejército y marinas. En un perío- de ser más patriota que ella por ser militar. actividades de la marina me gustaría expli- do de paz, prosperidad y tranquilidad, los “Como química de toda la vida era activa carles que, en la cena del 23 junio con el jóvenes buscan horizontes diferentes que en la sociedad.” Amirante Natter, ret. del US Navy, éste, en la llamada de la patria: el reclutamiento es A raíz de una conferencia sobre la OTAN organizada por la Asociación Atlán- tica Española en su charla el Almirante se refirió a una acotación del general norteamericano George Jowaln, jefe de las Fuerzas Aliadas en Europa durante la guer- ra de los Balcanes en los 90, que decía : “One mission. One Team. All together in. All together out.” Y entonces me explicó que no existe ninguna duda que lo impor- tante a la hora de actuar es hacerlo con “solidaridad y cohesión.” Aquí se refiere expresamente al Artículo I, 41-7 de la Con- stitución Europea que reitera los compro- misos de la OTAN. Al preguntarle sobre sus relaciones per- sonales con los marinos americanos me dijo que eran extraordinarias y que admira profundamente al Almirante Vernon Clark, ret., con quien coincidió en 5 o 6 ocasiones, “un líder y estratega que imprimió un cambio importante en la marina americana” y de quien recibió la condecoración “Commander of the Amer- ican Legion of Merit, en virtud de un méri- su disertación, dijo que la Armada españo- difícil, y especial de cada país.” Para el to que creo no merezco.” También se con- la está construyendo fragatas más Almirante la vida en la marina es mucho sidera muy amigo de los Almirantes Natter pequeñas pero con la capacidad para llevar más dura y difícil que en otros ejércitos de (ret.) y Johnson. el sistema Aegis-cruiser and destroyer -un tierra. “La vida en un destructor/por- Para terminar, con respecto al NL sistema anti-misiles y anti-aviones- que taviones resulta bastante [desafiante] para Madrid Council quise saber si él estaba de son la envidia del US Navy. El sistema Aegis un soldado” Le pregunté acerca de los sol- acuerdo con el pronunciamiento de un era antes llevado en destructores de unas dados a los que se los envía a un submari- embajador de USA que dijo en 1970 al 9000 toneladas, demasiado grandes y cos- no y me explicó que, como los pilotos, referirse al NL: tosos y requiriendo mucho personal para la pertenecen a “castas especiales”, y que los “...el mejor esfuerzo de relaciones Armada española. Entre los años 1996 y dos son trabajos voluntarios al ser públicas que yo alguna vez presencié...” Y 1997 deciden construir un barco de 6000 misiones de alto riesgo. entonces contestó que las “ligas navales toneladas, más fácil para maniobrar, más Al preguntarle cómo se conjuga hoy en unen a los pueblos. España es inexplicable barato y con menos personal). día en España el patriotismo con el deber, sin la mar, ...hoy los americanos se Al igual que la marina estadounidense pues al ser un marino oficial tiene una proyectan por los mares...quizás porque en que está reduciendo el número de sus bar- grandísima responsabilidad: la defensa de Madrid no tenemos percepción de condi- cos (en la Segunda Guerra Mundial había su país o de una alianza, respondió que se ción marítima...pero las ligas navales ayu- 2000, hoy sólo unos 300), la marina considera “un hombre que ha dedicado dan a la comprensión, la relación de la NL española también se está reduciendo. toda su vida a la defensa de España.” Algo con la Armada española es muy estrecha. Según el Almirante, “la marina de hoy está que lo hace sentirse “contento y orgulloso, Todos los años invita y paga al mejor grad- tecnológicamente avanzada teniendo cali- y lo llena de sentido y satisfacción.” Y afir- uado de la Academia Naval de Marín a un dad y no cantidad, la efectividad y la efica- ma que, así como él, piensa la inmensa viaje a Annapolis y Norfolk. Yo he conoci- cia están en las marinas no muy grandes, mayoría de los españoles, “porque una do a la Presidenta del US Navy League, para poder invertir en otros aspectos de la nación no sólo se defiende con las armas Sheila M. McNeill, y también conozco la sociedad no asociados con la defensa. sino en todos sus ámbitos, cada ciudadano conexión del NL con el Embajador de USA.” µ

10 NAVYLEAGUE Fall 2005 FEATURE

Admiral General explains when asked about the relations aspects of society not associated with Francisco Torrente Sánchez between the US Navy and the Spanish defense. Also, the recruitment of navy Armada.“It is a relation that spans appro- personnel is more difficult since there is a don't have any memories outside the ximately 50 years, established by the professional army. Vocation is needed in INavy”, says Admiral General Francisco mutual trust between people and based order to be in the army , he says while Torrente Sánchez, today General Director on the conviction that what we had in our mentioning that the competition in the for Defense Policy in the Ministry of hands was beneficial for the two navies, work force for youngsters is more acute Defense of Spain. He has a big office filled for the two countries, and for the defense than ever, the opportunities that they with souvenirs, books, awards, photo- of the USA and Spain.” Furthermore, he have in the companies and the different graphs, and a huge map of the world that tells us that in 1953, two years before professions, compete with what the army covers one of the walls. With pride he tells Spain entered the UN, it had already sig- and navy offer. In a time of peace, prospe- me that he comes from a navy family (his ned treaties with the USA demonstrating rity and tranquility, youngsters look for three brothers, and a sister who is that, sometimes, “defense relations come different horizons rather than the call of married to a navy officer) although his before the diplomatic ones and the agree- country; recruitment is difficult and spe- father was a lawyer for the Armada, and ments signed with the Americans repre- cial to each country.” his mother obtained a degree in sented the opening of Spain to the world. For the Admiral life in the Navy is Chemistry in 1936. Being from Ferrol, a In these 50 years the relations have been much harder and difficult than in other city that, according to the Admiral, has extraordinary.!” He explains that almost armies on land. “Life in a destroyer/air- been linked to the Armada for at least 250 all naval officers have navigated on craft carrier can be very challenging for a years, he enters, at 16 years of age, the American built ships, such as the TURIA, soldier”. I asked him about the soldiers Naval Academy in 1956 and in 1961 he a minesweeper that he commanded and that are sent to submarines and he explai- joins a “navy that was timidly starting its “the frigate BALEARES built in Spain but ned that, like the pilots, they belong to modernization and was, therefore, a navy its origins lie in the American made Knox “special castes” and that both jobs are that was much more inferior to the one Class built with huge American support. voluntary because they are high risk mis- that we have nowadays”... Today, in Spain, the Aegis frigates are sions. Of his 49 years of association with the built.” When asked how patriotism is com- Armada, 17 of them were spent at sea, -an Here he interrupts the conversation to pared to duty in Spain today, since he is experience that moves him to say, that... show me a photograph, which was sent a navy officer who has a great responsibi- “if I had to do a retrospective photograph into his pc, of the frigate AlVARO DE lity: the defense of a country or an allian- of the years on board, I must admit these BAZAN navigating in the waters of the ce. He answered that he considers him- were the most agreeable and most profes- Pacific and doing maneuvers with the self “a man that has dedicated all his life sional of my whole life, culminating with combat group of the aircraft carrier to the defense of Spain.” Something that the ships I commanded. The real pro- Roosevelt. (For those who are not up to makes him feel “happy and proud, and blems have come in posts ashore ...becau- date with the activities of the Navy I fills him with sense and satisfaction.” se the decisions that are taken in the offi- would like to explain that, at the June And he affirms that, like him, most of ces seriously affect the persons and insti- 23rd dinner with Admiral Natter, (ret.) Spaniards feel that way, “because a tutions for many years. All officers are USN., he, in his dissertation, said that the nation not only is defended with arms prepared to command the ships and the- Spanish Armada is building smaller friga- but in all of its ambits, each citizen wor- refore we feel very comfortable with that tes, with the capacity to carry the Aegis- king and doing his or her job, like indus- which was taught to us. When we make cruiser and destroyer anti-missiles and trialists, bankers, doctors, etc., all of decisions of a strategic, political, or mili- anti-planes systems, that are the envy of them have an important role to play, per- tary nature sometimes we find ourselves, the US Navy. The Aegis system was haps those in the military more directly not with situations where one is afraid, carried before in 9,000-ton destroyers, since there is a closer connection betwe- but with those that may have unknown too big and costly, and requiring more en defense and security… “Next he men- results, and which force us to evaluate the personnel, for the Spanish Armada. tions his mother who died at 92 years of possibilities of success. I hope that all Between the years 1996 and 1997 they age and he is adamant to point out that those who have been my superiors, peers, decided to build a 6000-ton ship, easier to she would never have allowed him to and subordinates throughout these 50 maneuver, less expensive and with less boast about being more patriotic than years come up with a favorable balance.” personnel). she for being in the military. “As a che- The Admiral, a “jogging” enthusiast, occa- In the same way that the US Navy is mist all her life she was active in the sionally sees his “electronics” professor, a reducing the number of ships (during community.” now retired Admiral who must be about World War II there were 2000, today only While mentioning a recent NATO 85 years of age, and with whom he shares 300) the Spanish navy is also reducing. conference organized by the Spanish impressions and comments on current According to the Admiral, “the Navy Atlantic Association, the Admiral, in his events while they practise the same sport. today is technologically advanced having speech, referred to a quote by an “He is one of my magnificent professors” quality and not quantity; the effectiveness American General George Jowaln, Chief “The relations with the Americans and efficacy is in navies that are not so have marked the history of Spain”, he large, in order to be able to invest in other (continued on page 29)

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 11 FEATURE / SPECIAL REPORTS Captain Kevin L. Little, U.S.N DEFENSE AND NAVAL ATTACHÉ, US EMBASSY, MADRID

aptain Kevin L. Little recently arrived 1984 to June 1986 deploying to the Mediter- School, he served 3 months temporary duty Cin Madrid as the new Naval Attaché. ranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as a member of the He was born in Tachikawa, Japan and grad- Captain Little next reported to the Joint Task Force, Southwest Asia JTF SWA. uated from Drake University beginning his “Gunslingers” of Attack Squadron 105 Capt. Little reported to the “Maraud- military career in 1977 at Aviation Officer where he served as Safety, Maintenance ers” of Flight Squadron 82, deploying to Candidate School. He was commissioned and Operations Officer from March 1987 the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean and in March 1978 and was designated a naval to April 1989. The “Gunslingers” were the Persian Gulf from 1993 to 1996 and aviator in December 1979. After comple- deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, Indian serving first as Executive and then as Com- tion of Corsair II qualifications, Capt. Lit- Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. From manding Officer. As Commanding Officer, tle joined the “Sidewinders” of Attack 1989 to 1991, Capt. Little served in Wash- during 1995 the “Marauders” were named Squadron 86 from August 1980 to August ington D.C. under VAdm. Boorda, the the Atlantic coast Hornet Battle “E” 1983. While assigned to VA 86 he complet- Chief of Naval Personnel, as his Naval Squadron as well as the best US Navy Hor- ed deployments to the Mediterranean Sea Aide. Prior to this , he had been assigned as net Squadron receiving the Estocin Award. and the North Atlantic Ocean. the Light Attack, Strike Fighter Junior offi- From 1996 to 1997 Capt. Little served Upon completion of French school at cer detailer. as COMUSNAVCENT COMFIFTHFLT the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, After completion of the transition to Air Operations Officer stationed in Mana- Ca., Capt. Little reported as a Personnel the FA 18 in March 1992, he joined the ma, Bahrain and from 1997 to 2001 he was Exchange Officer to Hyères, France. He flew Strike Fighter Weapons School until June assigned as the COMSIXTHFLT Liaison the Super Etendard in Flotille 17F from June 1993. While assigned to the Weapons Officer in Toulon, France. µ

Special Report 200TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR

he Madrid Council was invited to par- ships. That same day there was an air show García Bouza as well as from all the offi- Tticipate on board the Spanish aircraft as well and it ended with a spectacular fire- cers and crew. µ carrier “Príncipe de Asturias” at the Inter- works’ display. national Fleet Review celebrated in The Spanish delegation was headed by Portsmouth to commemorate the 200th the carrier “Príncipe de Asturias” and by anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar. NL the most modern frigate of the Armada, member José Luis Requero Ibañez repre- the “Blas de Lezo.” The guests had the sented the Madrid Council. The other 11 opportunity of visiting this ship and were guests were members of various Spanish invited to a luncheon on the 27th traveling naval associations. back to El Ferrol in the aircraft carrier, The invitation consisted of a trip that “Príncipe de Asturias”. During this trip began in the Spanish/American naval base there were some maneuvers with Por- of Rota on June 19th to return to port on tuguese, French and English ships and July 1st. The Carrier “Príncipe de Asturias” planes (Surfex). docked for two and a half days in Dublin. All through the trip the guests were able From there it traveled through the Solent to learn about life in these vessels, the Channel between the Isle of Wight and development of the air operations, and Portsmouth. The International Fleet the details involved in each of the services Review gathered a total of 167 ships from (air, control, security, operations, etc.). At 35 countries including the USS Saipan. On all times they were shown courtesy and June 28th Queen Elizabeth II, on board hospitality by Admiral José Francisco HMS Endurance passed inspection on the Palomino and Commander José María

12 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 SPECIAL REPORTS

NLUS Award - Madrid Council GRADUATION CEREMONIES AT THE SPANISH NAVAL ACADEMY IN MARÍN

By A. Ford n July 15th, 2005 the Madrid Council graduate on a 7 day trip to the Naval Acad- Oof the Navy League of the United emy in Annapolis, Maryland and a visit to States awarded the top graduating cadet of the naval base in Norfolk, Virginia. the Spanish Naval Academy with a cere- On the second day, the graduates monial sword. Attending the graduation swore allegiance to the flag. This year the ceremonies that take place during two days ceremonies were presided by HRH Prince every year in Marín, Spain, has been a NL of Asturias in presence of the then Presi- tradition since 1983. The recipient this dent of Galicia, Mr. Manuel Fraga. The year was Rafael Arias Oceja. colorful and patriotic event was wit- On the first day of the graduation cer- nessed by the President of the Navy emonies, the President of the Madrid League and Board members, Scott Council, Tom Denegre, invited the young Cochrane and Eva García. µ

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 13 TALK OF THE TOWN Talk of the Town MADRID, THE MAY COCKTAIL HOSTED BY MR. AND MRS. J. ROBERT MANZANARES DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION, US EMBASSY

By A. Ford

his year's Navy League annual cock- works of art, were on display, tempting the tail party was held at the home of palates. In the spring heat people wel- Tthe Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. comed the cool, sprinkling sodas, cavas, More than 150 guests attended the vintage Spanish white wines and finos that event on a hot Thursday, May 26th. A green helped invigorate the conversations. So tent sat in the beautiful gardens of this 19th much so, that the last to leave stayed way century villa in the fashionable district of past midnight... Sample of what a “good Salamanca, Madrid. Under it, the hors party” is all about, is reflected in these pho- d'oeuvres, tapas, sushi and other culinary tographs. µ

14 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 TALK OF THE TOWN Talk of the Town MADRID, THE GALA BALL HOSTED BY THE MADRID COUNCIL OF THE NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2004 AT THE PALACE HOTEL

Photographs by Madrid Journalist Jean Allen and Past President George Hall

s tradition calls, this spectacular evening began with the grand per- Aformance by the Marines in the presenting of colors... A welcoming speech was delivered by Ms. Joan Eischen, then President of the NL, who graciously pre- sented Past President, Mr. James Francés, the very revered - by any Navy Leaguer in Madrid -, ADMIRAL FARRAGUT Statue. The Navy League was honored to have as guests Mr. and Mrs J. Robert Man- zanares, DCM, and a large group of friends... µ

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 15 THE HUDSON RIVER ARTISANS NEW YORK PERSPECTIVES The Role of the Naval Forces in the Fight Against Terrorism

By Rafael Ortega González, photographs US Navy

ot long ago, in the mid 90’s, some These are tyrannical states that are not bases by the U.S., and such use would defi- experts on naval forces predicted democracies and, therefore, do not follow nitely limit how forces could be used, and Na revolution in the Navy with the the rule of law. Their rulers do not believe would make much more complex any end of the aircraft carrier (calling it an in democracy and instead of working for operation. expensive “sitting duck”); the end of the the welfare of their citizens they invest all Nevertheless, airlifting is expensive, and conventional navy aircrafts, substituted by of their resources in building their arsenals. useful only for a fast first attack; only small the VSTOL (VSTOL: Vertical and Short Some of these states are ideologically clos- and light units can be airborne. Heavy Take off and Landing ) model and an Air er to the terrorist groups and, in a worst material and the bulk of the troops would Force that would absorb all of the air oper- case scenario, they could support terrorists have to be sent by boat, as in the case of the ations; the end of the SSBN (SSBN: Ballis- to acquire weapons of mass destruction. airborne troops UH-60 of the 101st divi- tic Missile Carrier Nuclear Submarine) as The words of the Director General of the sion in the last Iraq invasion. the nuclear threat was supposedly disap- IAEA Mohamed ElBaradei are to be In this case the first role of the Navy is pearing; the end of the Marines Corps, believed: “The tragic terrorist attacks on the projection and sustainment of the force substituted by a new kind of Light Infantry the United States were a wake up call to us which would be immediately employable. Division of the Army; and so on… All of all. We cannot be complacent. We have to, The Navy is a forward deployable, combat- these things would happen in a peaceful and will, increase our efforts on all fronts” ready force that can extend the combat and clean new world… with no History. (“Reducing the Threat of Nuclear Theft power of the United States immediately to The contemporary world has changed and Sabotage” IAEA-SM-367/4/08). get instant access, and reach even land- dramatically from the “happy days” of the The United States is a maritime power locked nations”. (In this paragraph I have fall of the Berlin Wall, and military forces and has the best navy in the world. The used words from Navy Secretary Gordon and strategies have had to change as well to interest areas of the United States are usu- England) deal with the new threats to democracy ally far offshore. This shows us why the and liberty: international, globalized ter- Naval Forces are called to play a primordial rorism and the proliferation of weapons of role in the new strategical scenario. mass destruction. In the first case, the “enemy” does not First scenario. Attack a state that pos- have an official country supporting it (per- sesses weapons of mass destruction or fect opportunity for rogue countries that is supporting international terrorism want to attack the United States and its As mentioned above, most of the areas of allies without reprisal). This enemy can be interest of the United States are far from “a kind of snake” which may reside inside the US Coast. Military operations need to any country, with soldiers that can have the transport great quantities of troops and same nationality and who might easily be material to the actual theatre of operations. fighting against their fellow nationals. This This transport could be done by the Air enemy could also be using weak states as Force; it would certainly be fast but in this “platforms” to attack all western democra- case it would need to secure airfields in the cies (This is not really new. Communism target country, or in neighboring coun- used the same modus operandi, the Inter- tries, from which to operate and deploy national Communist, but in that case ter- land forces and helicopters. rorist and agitator groups were closely Airfields in the target country could be under the Soviet control and, as a conse- opened by Air Force attack aircraft and quence, had a support country. There is no bombed and occupied by airborne troops, reason to think that only radical islamists but it could be expensive in terms of troop can use this kind of terrorist network). losses. It would also need an allied airfield In the second case, there are states that for the operation and refueling of the air- have, or are going to have, the technology craft. Political reasons have been argued by and the intention of making weapons of some governments in recent operations mass destruction, mainly nuclear weapons. against the use of their countries’ military

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 17 PERSPECTIVES

Expeditionary Strike Groups (ESG) mak- Enduring Freedom, the Kitty Hawk aircraft ing it easier to deal with the new threats. carrier was converted into a float staging Under this plan, new formations arise as platform for the Special Forces to compen- deployable Surface Strike Groups (SSGs) sate for the lack of land bases. It carried formed by some surface ships, most of helicopters from the 160th Special Opera- them armed with Tomahawk GLCM tions Aviation Regiment of the Army, Navy (GLCM: Ground Launched Cruise Missile, SEALS, and Army and Air Force Special in fact, surface launched as it includes mis- Operations personnel. Submarines can be siles launched from ships.) missiles, and used too as stealth bases for the Navy Groups of four Trident SSGN (Trident SEALs teams, as Trident GLCMs and other SSBN that have been transformed to carry former SLBM are, permitting the insertion Tomahawk SLCM and Special Operations and extraction of groups silently and qui- Forces). Batteries from Battleships have etly in order to maintain the security of the been used to attack coastal targets in the mission and avoid political problems with past and Tomahawks from cruisers, frigates neighboring countries. In this job UAV and submarines have being used in attack- (UAV: Unmanned Air Vehicles ) are wel- ing harder inner targets, terrorist bases or comed and encouraged as they can get centers where weapons of mass destruction information without the risk of loosing could be produced or delivered. valiant lives and valuables. Marines from the ESG can be used Also SSGs can be used to monitor the alone or in cooperation with the Army to seas in looking for weapons intended for Navy Aircraft Carriers (the “sitting start a base territory that could be used for the terrorists, or components that can be ducks”) are mobile airfields that can go the organization of heavier units and the used for making or deploying weapons of anywhere; they do not need permission to launching of an offensive. Marines are a mass destruction. deploy their air wing to attack any target sea-based force that is heavier than light In the conventional role of land forces, and they do not need ten-hour missions to infantry with armored capability, but SEAL teams and Marines develop a task of get to the target. They have been funda- lighter than an armored division, and has neutralization of individuals (terrorists or mental pieces in the last campaigns from its own air support. They can deploy sea experts in WMD) in cooperation and com- the early stages, as evidenced in the elec- based combat-ready heavy equipment like bination with their brothers in arms, the tronic warfare aircraft EA-6B Prowler jam- amphibious tanks, armored cars, howitzers Army. ming the enemy radars and air defenses and heavy guns, fast and easily. (today, the only airborne jammer of enemy On the transportation question, Navy Third scenario. Keeping seas opened air defenses, the EF-111 Raven of the Air vessels can transport a tank division with- and safeguarding United States sho- Force, has been retired ) and the navy fight- out permission from any country and have res and Harbors er-attack planes (first, the A-6E, A-7E, then all the divisional support. It takes more This is not the first time that the Navy is the FA-18C and F-14B-D) that cleaned the time than an air trip, but it is cheaper, eas- involved in the keeping of open seas. In the anti-aircraft batteries and air space to let ier since some of the equipment cannot be Tripolitan War of 1801-1805 the United the air force squadrons go safely and deeply sent by air. The Navy not only can trans- States Navy was sent to the “shores of into the enemy zone and attack strategical port the combat equipment, but also the Tripoli” to end the attacks on merchant- targets like the IC3 centers. Therefore, the infrastructure, support and supply materi- men, stop the restraint of free trade and the Navy air strikes could share the same role al, from helicopters, tanks, missiles and a piracy on the Mediterranean Sea…all of as the Air Force. complete communications center to fuel this happening though a tribute had been Of course, a heavy bomber cannot and water. paid to the Pasha of Tripoli. take-off from any Aircraft Carrier, but its Today the same risk exists with the attack performance could be made easier Second scenario. Gathering and neu- potential use of small boats, ships, and with the help of the electrical warfare, and tralizing terrorists and traffic of mate- even small old conventional submarines, early warnings by E-2C and fighter Com- rials for weapons of mass destruction that could be “lent” by rogue states to ter- bat Air Patrols (CAPs) from the Carrier. If Neutralizing terrorists has been tradition- rorists to attack gas or oil-tankers, passen- in a hurry, it is easier to move an Aircraft ally a land forces- task, but the attacks on ger cruise ships, war vessels (the USS Cole) Carrier with its air strike ready to attack 9/11 and the attack on the USS Cole in or even, as have been tried in the past, the than to look for a close available military Yemen shows us terrorists can use any closing of some strategical areas as the base to move an F-15 wing, including all of means to achieve their goals. Information Ormuz Gulf. This risk is greater where the infrastructure and support personnel. about the terrorists' manufacturing or there is a very dense flux of ships, especial- The new Global Concept of Operation assembling of weapons of mass destruc- ly in the the Arabic and Mexico Gulfs, the (CONOPS Navy Ship Deployments: New tion, is difficult to obtain. Mediterranean and North Seas, and any- Approaches - Congressional Research Ser- The air wings of the carriers have where near the main western ports. vice Report RS21338) transforms the Air- served the navy SEALs and Marines in their The role of the Navy and the Coast craft Carrier Battle Groups (CVBG) into intelligence gathering information in real- Guard is to keep seas opened and protect Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) and the time, obtaining target intelligence and (continued on page 27) Amphibious Ready Groups (ARG) into tracking enemy forces. In the Operation

18 NAVY LEAGUE DEFENDING FREEDOM Commander John L. Rigge, RN. O.B.E. IN HIS OWN WORDS

Photographs: US Navy

Empire and Colonial Armed, Police and Introduction Civil Services”. Much to his chagrin Com- By C. Dillon mander Rigge was diagnosed with short sightedness discovered at the Navy Medical uck,” Commander John Rigge, R.N. examination, though “not developed when Lsaid as we were leaving the British he joined the HMS Conway”.As a result of Embassy, “ I had lots of luck. Put that this, his first RN service was three months in.” After a two hour interview conduct- as a “paymaster cadet in the cruiser HMS ed by the Defense Attaché, Captain Frobisher which took him to discover the Nigel Dedman, R.N., and arranged by beauties of the then British West Indies.” NL President Tom Denegre with NL Then, for four years, Commander Rigge Treasurer Stewart Cusden, Commander served in the Mediterranean Fleet where he Rigge recounted, in condensed version, remained until World War II started in 70 years of his extraordinary life : he 1939. lived through the Spanish Civil War and Commander Rigge was in the 8’’ gun participated in World War II. cruiser , HMS London, which was part of The following is a compilation of the Mediterranean fleet that included the events in the fascinating life of Com- 1st Cruiser Squadron with the HMS Sus- mander John Rigge, O.B.E., R.N., as told sex, HMS Devonshire, and HMS Dorset- to Captain Dedman, R.N. I was privi- Commander Rigge received his early edu- shire, when she arrived, the day the Span- leged to listen to this man who “lived” cation at the Cathedral School in Shanghai ish Civil War began on July 18th, 1936, in history: the accounts of his experiences until he left for England in 1926 and the port of Barcelona. “The task was to starting in 1932, when he began naval enrolled in the Bridlington School in East evacuate British Nationals from Barcelona, life as a young boy of 14 , and until Yorkshire until 1932, when he joined the via destroyers or other available vessels to today in retirement as a city dweller in HMS Conway, a cadet training ship, as a Marseilles where the evacuees did what Madrid and London and as an olive and Royal Naval Reserve Cadet at the age of 14 they could. Many of the Spanish nobility almond farmer in the province of and a half. For him the “sea was in his Guadalajara. Commander Rigge is an blood having had a great uncle who had amiable, kind man who speaks proudly been a naval captain and his maternal and lovingly of his wife of 65 years, Pat, grandfather a clipper captain in the days of a woman whom he got engaged to after the tea and wool clippers, who had named only one week of “courtship!”, at the age his daughter (Commander Rigge's moth- of 22. Such determination at a young er) Winifred, after one of his favorite age demonstrates the backbone and ships”. Commander Rigge was exposed to character of this active man, who was the Navy life in China because “his family asked to make tough decisions in per- had a summer bungalow at the British ilous situations throughout his career in Naval base of Wei-Hei-Wei where ships' the Royal Navy.... visits were constant and Naval officers, everywhere.” He never thought of doing anything else ouside the Navy, and it was and gentry were also evacuated, often n his own words, Commander John also his parents' wishes... bringing with them jewels in leather bags Loftus Rigge, O.B.E., Royal Navy, was In 1935, at 17 years of age and then the to be safely looked after. Barcelona was in Iborn in Shanghai, China, on March Chief Cadet Captain, Commander Rigge anarchy with many murders of nobles in 1st, 1918 “with two hair crowns on his received the King's Gold Medal and the their own homes, including the Conde de skull, celebrated by the Chinese to be a seamanship prize and went on to join the Churruca, (whom he knew),... and nun- lucky omen,...”to British parents. His father Royal Navy, “following a nation-wide civil neries were destroyed with the nuns killed was a “China merchant, selling and buying service examination to qualify young men or assaulted...” Commander Rigge recalled everything from peanuts to elephants...” for all the UK Armed Services as well as the a somewhat comical incident that occurred

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 19 DEFENDING FREEDOM

when his ship rescued a group of 20 nuns. Palma de Mallorca as a prize by the Franco their Walrus flying boat was lost with Lt. Not knowing what to do with the nuns, forces.” As far as Commander Rigge was Stokes and Lt. Ommanney (pilot and “they invited them to the viewing of a film concerned this incident could have actual- observer). His ship's crew never knew if which was being shown on the quarter- ly involved the “famous, or infamous, Cap- they had been shot down by the Graf Spee deck, as it happened every evening for the tain Potato Jones who was known for his or simply lost, since “radio communica- evacuees, and it was Marlene Dietrich's blockade, running and supplying goods to tions in those days were elementary by Desire....” He told us that the nuns stayed the Republicans...” today's standards.” HMS Sussex was suc- and watched the film with obvious enjoy- World War II started in September cessful in capturing one of the supply ships ment. He recalled listening to the “daily 1939, and Commander Rigge mentioned of the Graf Spee, the SS Watussi, with no fusillade of rifle fire at nine o'clock in the how “all the gunroom officers were delight- conflict. The German crew was apprehend- morning at the Montjuic barracks, just ed that at last it had happened and that the ed including the last “man, being a small monkey which had to be rescued from the masts before the ship sank....”His ship,“the HMS Sussex was too far away to play any part in the final battle with the Exeter, Ajax and Achilles off the Falkland Islands. and the Graf Spee was eventually scuttled in the harbour of Uruguay.” In 1940, Comman- der Rigge was 22 when he was promoted to “paymaster Lieutenant”. The HMS Sussex was ultimately lost in an air raid in Greenock in 1940. Commander Rigge met Pat, who would become his fiancée after only a week's courtship, while on a week's leave in his hometown of West Kent. Immediately after, “as Assistant Secretary to the Flag Officer, 2nd Cruiser Squadron he joined HMS Galatea, a 5000-ton cruiser. Opera- tions were in the North Sea and English Channel. Dunkirk came and went with HMS Galatea or HMS Aurora, or HMS Arethusa, all part of the Second Cruiser Squadron, flying Rear Admiral Curteis's flag, as circumstances permitted, but oper- ating only in support, and not directly, at the Dunkirk evacuation”. “Then came the fall of France, with the above where the ship was berthed, where Royal Navy would show the Germans what HMS Galatea operating close to the French the government's forces eliminated their they were worth!” His squadron was coast and finally in June, helping to evacu- captured enemies...” ordered to go to Simonstown through the ate Polish troops from Arcachon and St. To quote Commander Rigge’s words, Suez Canal to “update the outdated anti- Jean de Luz”. For Commander Rigge “the “he was particularly close to it all as the aircraft armament on the HMS Sussex. It discipline and bearing of the well uni- only person on board able to speak Span- was voice, eye and hand controlled, but formed Polish troops who had marched ish, a compulsory language, with French, in with the new system of dual 4 inch batter- right through France taking all their arms, the HMS Conway training ship, and there- ies it would have more punch.” It was dur- including Howitzers, right down to the fore he was the contact with the British ing this time that Commander Rigge was dock”, impressed him. The troops boarded Consular staff in Barcelona, and down the the “ “forecasting officer, telling the gun- the HMS Galatea and a merchant ship coast, when HMS London went there...” ners ‘up’ or ‘down’,‘right’ or ‘left’,and where “which was there to assist”,and left behind Commander Rigge used his translation to shoot.... having plotted voice reports of some of their gear. Commander Rigge gave skills, just before the war ended in 1939, falls of shot on a graph...and this did work, his wife Pat one of the abandoned Polish when the “Franco forces had declared a successfully sometimes, since aircraft were helmets which she later habitually wore in blockade off the Valencia coast.” At this still flying at 90 knots and there were no Kent and London during the “blitz”. time he was the Captain's Secretary of the “Stükas”(German dive bombers) yet.” Because of his knowledge of French and HMS Sussex (although he had served in Christmas 1939 was spent in Simon- Spanish Commander Rigge was the con- various other ships) and “he assisted as the stown and, soon after, his ship headed tact with the French authorities. On one interpreter when a British 'tramp' steamer, down the South Atlantic to Adelaide, Aus- occasion, he was asked “to send a long mes- the SS Stangate, was intercepted inside the tralia, to search for the German “pocket sage from Mr. Churchill to the French Spanish 3-mile limit by the Spanish war- battleship” commerce raider Graf Spee. “In Admiral Darlan asking him not to let the ship, Mar Negro, and was being taken to one of the searches after many weeks at sea, Germans get hold of the French fleet.”

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During this operation, on 23 June 1940,“in went back to survival at sea or survival on uniform, tin hat and armed, with one Rod- land. In those days none of the young, at erick Barclay of the Foreign Office in Lon- least, expected to survive and indeed all don, they found the Mayor of St. Jean de the officers who attended the wedding Luz, a woman of middle age who seemed were all lost quite quickly with two of his to speak Basque only. They did get to the military cousins surviving only”. During Mayor's communications center with all the next two years the young couple saw telephones down, and she promised to each other a total of 17 days.“And in those send the message as soon as any telegraph- two years there were 14 ship moves ic, or other line, became available...” They including the HMS Galatea, Aurora. never found out if she ever did send the Arethusa, Duke of York, Prince of Wales, message because they escaped the area with Victorious, Sheffield, Birmingham, New- the German troops on their heels. Com- castle...” mander Rigge quickly became the “oars- behind where he was standing and the ship In 1941 Commander Rigge was still on man” when he had to row a boat he was saved, but only when feet were getting the staff of Rear Admiral Curteis, who was comandeered to the safety of the HMS wet and the ship was listing badly.” promoted to Vice Admiral and assigned to Galatea which had anchored offshore “The war for the Second Cruiser be appointed Vice Admiral, Second Battle because of the German advance!. Squadron with his flag in HMS Hood. According to Commander Rigge, the However, before this change took place, next orders by Mr. Churchill were to “put HMS Sussex was successful suddenly the German battleship Bismark, out of action or capture any French in capturing one of the the “most powerful warship in the German destroyers or other warships which had Navy together with the heavy cruiser Prinz taken refuge in British ports”.In Plymouth, supply ships of the Graf Eugen, were reported to be in the North- where the HMS Galatea was then based, west Approaches to Iceland, and HMS “there were the French destroyers Mistral Spee, the SS Watussi, with Hood and HMS Galatea still flying Rear and Triumphant.” Commander Rigge “vol- no conflict. The German crew Admiral Curteis's flag,as CS2,were dis- unteered to board the captured vessels patched from Scapa Flow to challenge because with his knowledge of “elemen- was apprehended including them and prevent their entering the tary” French he would be useful joining a the last “man, being a small Atlantic on commerce raiding as the Graf Lieutenant Commander, an Engineer Lieu- Spee had done. The weather was bad with tenant and a detachment of Marines, to monkey which had to be heavy seas and the Galatea could not safely take the FS Mistral.... Boarding the French rescued from the masts keep up with the Hood without structural vessel in the middle of the night was car- ried out without incident but it was quick- before the ship sank....” ly discovered that the ship was being scut- tled; that the crew had broken into the Squadron then reverted to convoy duty in wine store and were drunk, and that the the Channel, North Sea and the coast of officers were below in their cabins. Mis- Scotland...” and soon after Commander tral's Captain du Bon tried to convince Rigge, with his Admiral’s approval, went Commander Rigge who was standing at home to marry his bride. “The wedding the head of the ladder leading down to the took place on September 7th, 1940 in a classic English fashion in the ancient vil- lage Church” and with a garden party at the home of the bride's parents. The three-tiered cake made in the Admiral's galley was duly cut with Commander damage. The battleship HMS Prince of Rigge’s sword as the Battle of Britain Wales, recently commissioned for the first began with “one German fighter being time and not yet 'worked up' was ordered downed and the pilot escaping by para- to replace the Galatea and join HMS Hood. chute only to be picked up a few hundred The Galatea was diverted to protect the air- yards from the wedding reception by gen- craft carrier Victorious. HM Ships Hood tlemen in morning coats...”After the wed- and Prince of Wales then faced the German ding the young couple went to the Savoy battleship and cruiser Prinz Eugen. The Hotel to begin their honeymoon. They first or second salvo from the Bismark hit cabins, to let them all come up, but at the were met by the Hotel's Manager who told Hood between the two funnels where the same time refusing to say where the flood- them that they had to go to the cellars of torpedo parting shop was situated. This ing valves were, and only repented when he the Hotel (for safety) and not in a room. exploded the stored torpedo heads and the found a cocked and loaded revolver in his But first he took them up to the roof “to explosion penetrated below to the extent face, and a determined 22 year-old Lieu- see London burning.” Commander Rigge that the ship broke in two. On the bow tenant behind it. The valves were just explained that after their honeymoon “life were a party of some twenty four sailors

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 21 DEFENDING FREEDOM

including a midshipman and a Lieutenant that “a secret order to transfer the flag was and in due course to support the invasion Commander who had been sent there to received: the flag of Admiral Tom Phillips of Europe. This was at the height of the secure the anchor cable which was crashing was to be hoisted in the HMS Prince of Convoy War of the Battle of the Atlantic. around in the heavy seas. This party was Wales and the ship secretly dispatched to His wife Pat, still in London at this time, thrown into the sea and only four were the Far East to join HMS Repulse and an “worked for a special organization which saved, including the midshipman.”Accord- aircraft carrier to counter the Japanese passed information and encouragement to ing to Commander Rigge, “Vice Admiral threat to Singapore. This was done in subjugated countries such as Poland.” She Curteis had been due to hoist his flag in Greenock at dead of night, with Vice was allowed to accompany her husband to HMS Hood in only a day or two after this Admiral Curteis and staff leaving by the Bermuda and work for the Ministry of disaster happened and Mrs. Rigge received Port quarterdeck gangway and Admiral sympathy letters from those who thought Phillips and staff joining at the Starboard that Admiral Curteis and staff were on quarterdeck gangway almost exactly at the board...” Approximately 1700 men per- same time. It was all done in excellent ished with the HMS Hood. According to order and the Prince of Wales slipped out Commander Rigge, the Bismark's steering of Greenock to appear next in Singapore.

Information. The journey to New York, “at the height of the submarine war, was made in a 49 ship convoy, and only thirty-six of the ships survived the trip.” The first stop on the way to Bermuda was New York City where the young couple stayed at the Barbizon Plaza Hotel on East 63rd St. He remembered clearly “how he recognized the Morse signal being reflected by a light from the East River onto the ceil- ing of their room. He reported this to the competent authorities who soon collected a German spy from a submarine.” For Commander Rigge, ...“coming from wartime England, such activity and atten- tion was commonplace.” gear was eventually damaged by strikes Quite soon the decision was taken to face Commander Rigge stayed in Bermuda from the aircraft carrier Ark Royal, and not the Japanese, although the aircraft carrier for 4 1/2 years serving under two Admirals, from Victorious, and this led to the sinking was held up and could not join the fleet Vice Admiral Sir A.T.B. Curteis who retired of the Bismark. It was a disappointment to with the disastrous result that shocked the in 1944 and Vice Admiral Sir Irvine Glen- learn later that the Victorious's air strikes world when the Japanese torpedo bombers nie who replaced him...“During these 4 1/2 on Bismark had not had the success earlier sank both ships.” Again, Commander years his wife Pat worked for Sir Stanley reported.” Rigge’s wife Pat received telegrams and let- Spurling, a renowned elder statesman of “From then on until the move to ters of condolence... Bermuda, and helped him in setting up Bermuda at the end of 1942 - more than a At the end of 1942 Vice Admiral and running a small Radio Station mainly year later - the Second Battle Squadron was Curteis was appointed as Senior British established to provide a listening post on at sea constantly, based mainly in Iceland Naval Officer, Western Atlantic, based at the islands should any emergency arise, running the Russian Convoys... In the big the Naval Base in Bermuda. Commander such as bombardment by German sub- ships it was more comfortable than in Rigge went one month early to work with marines.No other such agency existed.” destroyers and merchant ships, but it was the actual Commander-in-Chief, (for In 1947, Commander Rigge returned to still cold and tough. John Rigge’s action- America and West Indies), Admiral England on a four-month leave with a little station was below 15 inches of armour Kennedy Purvis, and set up the office of son named Simon. Then he joined the plate in the bowels of the ship where the this new command. The Command had no cruiser HMS Superb as Deputy Supply gun control systems were installed. There ships but had naval bases in Bermuda, Officer and Lieutenant Commander. was still a lot of word of mouth, eye and Jamaica, Trinidad and the responsibility to The HMS Superb and 4 destroyers visit- manual action in the control of all look after them, to collaborate closely with ed the West Indies, the Mediterranean and weapons.”It was during this time, while the the new allies (USA) and to ensure that the Scandinavian countries. In 1948 he Admiral’s flag was in the Prince of Wales communications were efficient and secure joined the HMS Vanguard, the most mod-

22 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 DEFENDING FREEDOM

ern battleship. He was now Assistant Secre- Empire, M.B.E.”While at Hawker Siddeley, tary to Admiral Sir Philip Vian. During this According to Commander “one of his successes was the sale of 8 Har- year, “a second son, Roger, was born on Rigge, “Vice Admiral Curteis rier jump jets to the Spanish Navy with Mr. June 12th, 1948 and the baby was several Ricky Fuster, as the commercial agent. months old by the time his father saw him.” had been due to hoist his From 1973-1990 he worked for the British From 1952 and during the Korean War, flag in the HMS Hood in only company Plessey, an electronics and until 1956, Commander Rigge was in telecommunications company, and acted Hong Kong as Commodore's Secretary a day or two after this disas- as Chief Executive of Plessey Spain. µ and promoted to Commander. During the Korean War “RN ships were administered ter happened and Mrs. Rigge In closing… from Hong Kong. He was also Judge Advo- received sympathy letters When asked about the US Navy League cate in court martials, which ranged from in Madrid, Commander Rigge confided fraudulent conversion of funds to mur- from those who thought that about his participation in the exclusive der.”He pointed out that his wife Pat, “was Admiral Curteis and staff men’s luncheon club, the Valentinos, then a known figure in Radio Hong Kong and Mr. George Mahl’s invitation to for her classical musical programs and also were on board...” join the NL. This was three years ago for promoting Chinese Classical music and he is a non-resident member of the and encouraging young Chinese musi- ceptable remarks by British politicians, not NL. There is absolutely no doubt at all cians in the Western Classical music field. yet in power but shortly to be elected, that he is pro-American to the nth The only excitement that happened soon about Franco and the Franco regime, degree having said so a few times: after their arrival in Hong Kong was the caused the Spaniards to withdraw . Efforts “Thank God for America”... He and Pat Chinese attack on Macau, the Portuguese to resuscitate the deal, at the request of the recently attended the 60th Anniversary colony, much older than Hong Kong and, Spanish Navy, six months later when the Festival of Commemoration of WWII in about a day’s sailing away off the China mainland. The attack was repulsed by the Portuguese batteries on the fort and some 200 Chinese were killed. Compensation was later paid to their families, the deal being engineered by a Hong Kong Chinese gold dealer...” From 1956-1958 he was appointed Supply Officer in the cruiser HMS Birm- ingham in the Mediterranean, and then at D.A.P (Directorate of Administrative Plan- ning) in the Admiralty. He recounted that during this time the Australian Govern- ment was offering settlers 120 sq. miles of free land in the Northern Territories...He did not go, “owing to family commitments in the UK,” although the offer was tempt- ing... Soon after he joined the HMS Victo- rious, and was stationed mostly in the Per- sian Gulf and the Far East, where he was the supply officer while Lt. Commander Dedman (father of the present Defense Attaché and interviewer) was the operating Labour Party was in power, and again a Britain and spent four hours under a officer -OPS1- in the same ship. year later, when he was no longer Naval blazing sun on the Horse Guards Parade From 1962-1966 he was appointed Attaché but working in Spain for the in London, in the presence of Queen Naval Attaché of the British Embassy in Hawker Siddeley Group, failed.” ... In a Elizabeth II, celebrating the end of a war Madrid. For Commander Rigge, it was not twist of fate the deal was then signed with he had been very much part of. And all a difficult decision to come to Spain since the Americans....a political decision that admirers of Freedom should say : he had been here during the Civil War. He affected a major contract and future naval “Thank you, Commander Rigge, for served under Ambassador Sir George business relations.... participating in the liberation of the Labouchère. “It was during this time in Commander John Rigge “was awarded Free World!” Spain that one of his accomplishments was the Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. in Commander Rigge is the Chairman to secure a deal with the Spanish Govern- June 1964 which was presented to him by of the private charity “British Benevo- ment that consisted in the selling of Eng- Sir George Labouchère who had been lent Fund of Madrid.” He now alter- lish built frigates armed with the new Sea instrumental in the recommendation. His nates his time between Madrid, London, Dart CF 299 missiles. Due to internal UK wife Pat was awarded soon after with the the coast of Dover and his “finca,” fifty political reasons the deal failed when unac- decoration of Member of the British miles outside of Madrid.

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 23 GUEST SPEAKERS Guest Speakers

The MONTHLY DINNERS are a tradition On Thursday, January 20th, 2005, we were fact, he stressed that “since the end of the and trademark of the Madrid Council. honored to have as guest speaker Mr. José 18th century, the citizens of the USA According to most members and past Bono Martínez, Minister of Defense of the should know that Spain was there to Kingdom of Spain. It was an incredibly defend them...” (1776) and... “that it is its Presidents of the Navy League, the back- successful event with approximately 100 oldest ally.” “The frigate Álvaro de Bazán bone of the organization of these events guests, including NL members. has been integrated into the Combat is none other than Mr. George Mahl who Spain’s Minister of Defense was born in Group of the aircraft carrier Roosevelt, held the position of President and has Salobre, province of Albacete, on December marking the first time that a Spanish ship 14th 1950. A lawyer by profession, he prac- has fully participated in joint maneuvers incredible connections as a long time tised law until 1979, and since 1972 he lec- with the USA and proving that its high resident and professional in Madrid. tured in Political Law at the Complutense technology in the F100 Aegis systems is Many a great author of literature has University in Madrid. In 1976, he received a compatible with that of their American written that in order to survive in any commission from the UN to report on the counterparts!” Human Violations perpetrated at the time type of society “noteworthy connec- in Chile. For doing so, he was asked to tions” are indispensable! Here is a sam- leave-expelled-by General Pinochet’s gov- ADMIRAL GENERAL ple of some of those “noteworthy Navy ernment... In 1977 he was the private pros- SEBASTIÁN ZARAGOZA SOTO League connections”. All are recipients ecutor in the famous trial about the mur- ders of the labor law attorneys in the of The Navy League sword for a “job well ATOCHA street in Madrid. done.” Bravo Zulu! His involvement with politics began at the end of the turbulent 60’s... In 1970, he joined the Popular Socialist Party, holding MR. JOSÉ BONO full membership until 1979, date in which MINISTER OF DEFENSE, SPAIN his Party merged with the Spanish Work- ers’ Socialist Party (PSOE). From 1979- 1983 he was Member of Parliamant for the District of Albacete and served as Secretary of the Parliamentary Committee. In 1983, after the PSOE won its first regional election Mr. Bono was elected President of Castilla-La Mancha by the On February 17th, 2005, we were equally Regional Parliament, a position he would honored to have as guest speaker Admiral hold for five consecutive terms... and elect- General Zaragoza Soto, Naval Chief Staff. ed by absolute majority... From 1988-1990 As stated in his biography, Admiral Gen- he also held the position of Secretary Gen- eral Zaragoza Soto was born in 1945 in San eral for the PSOE in Castilla-La Mancha. Fernando, Cádiz, but spent most of his life in He authored a book entitled “A vueltas EL Ferrol because his father was the con el Futuro,” which deals with the role “Comandante of the Infantería de Marina” On the Left: NL President Tom Denegre, receives from of socialism in a permanently changing (Spanish Marines). In 1962 he entered the Mr. José Bono, Minister of Defense a book entitled: society. Naval Academy in Marín and in 1967, he Tratado de amistad, límites y navegación concluí- It was at a recent conference in Madrid graduated with the rank of Liutenant. A son do entre el Rey nuestro Señor y los Estados Unidos on the Military Relations between the US has also followed in his footsteps having de America firmado en San Lorenzo el Real a 27 de and Spain on June 21st, 2005 that the Min- graduated from the same Academy two years octubre de 1795.- Treaty of friendship, borders ister adamantly expressed that he could see ago and now serving as an “Alférez de Navío” and navigation concluded between the King our no vestige of anti-americanism and that on the Alvaro de Bazán, a F 100 frigate. Lord and the United States of America signed in the relations between Spain and the USA His other son is an officer in the Span- San Lorenzo el Real on 27th October, 1795. “are clear, hiding no secret protocol.” In ish Army!

24 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 GUEST SPEAKERS

In a previous interview conducted by LIEUTENANT COMMANDER Mr. José Luis Requero Ibañez is a member NL Past Presidents, George Mahl and SPENCER ABBOT, USN of the NL Madrid Council. He gave an George Hall for the magazine NAUTICIAS extraordinary speech on Thursday, April the Admiral admitted “to having slept on 21st, 2005, as any member invited to do every bunk bed on the training ship, the so should. The subject was “Justice and pride of the Spanish Armada, the “Juan the Legal System in Spain,” very interest- Sebastián de Elcano.” In the course of his ing and eye opening to those of us who Naval career, Admiral Zaragoza did three are more familiar with the US-Common tours with the ship... From 1996-1997 he Law- system and sometimes find the was its Captain on its world tour. Romanic and Napoleonic codes a little bit The Admiral also told that “every year heavy and sour, as in coffee, to swallow. the crew who served aboard El Cano dur- But as the Spanish popular saying once ing the 1996-1997 tour gets together for indicated: “A dónde fueres haz lo que dinners and they invite me along... which is vieres,”in other words, “when in Spain do very gratifying and typifies the comrade- as the Spaniards...” ship that prevails between Captain and Mr. Requero summarized how the crew!” At this dinner meeting on Thursday, March Judicial System in Spain is organized and When asked what he thought about the 17th, 2005, members and guests “almost” how since 1978 with the instauration of the US-Spain naval relations he added participated in Lt. Commander Abbot’s Constitution, it is self governed. He talked “remember, this has been going on since flying maneuvers by viewing his incredibly about the cooperation that exists between 1953-over fifty years! We continue to do dangerous acrobatic feats projected on a the General Counsel of the Judiciary in military exercises and nothing has screen.... Spain and institutions in countries in changed... and there have been many Lieutenant Commander Spencer Abbot South America and Eastern Europe, espe- changes in government over the years.” is a U.S. Navy FA-18 Hornet pilot, and is cially in fighting organized crime. He dis- Amongst his many tours of duty, he currently serving as an EF-18 exchange cussed the actual instruments used in the spent seven years on board destroyers, and pilot with the Spanish Air Force. In that fight against Islamic terrorism since March two years at the Fleet Combat High Com- capacity, LCDR Abbot instructs Spanish 11th, 2004 as well as the case filed in this mand on board the aircraft carrier “Dédalo.” pilots transitioning to the Hornet in initial country against Al Quaida. Admiral General Zaragoza served as EF-18 familiarization, air-to-ground, air- Mr. Requero Ibañez, better known in Commander in the minesweeper “Tajo” to-air, and in-flight refueling mission his professional circles as “Su Señoría”- and in the research and rescue ship areas. Your Honor- has a law degree from the “Poséidon” and in the frigate, “Baleares.” LCDR Abbot, son of Admiral Abbot, Universidad Complutense of Madrid and He participated in embargo operations former CIC of the 6th Fleet, is a native of began his judicial career in 1982. In 1996 against Yugoslavia in the Adriatic Sea. Yorktown, Virginia. he was commissioned by the European His distinguished carreer ashore began His deployments included service Union to conduct a study on judicial and with his post as the first Spanish officer aboard USS Enterprise and USS Theodore parliamentary reform in Paraguay, within assigned to the NATO Southern Region Roosevelt, and participation in Opera- the program: “The institutional modern- Command in Naples for three years. He tions Southern Watch, Enduring Free- ization of Paraguay” and he was responsi- also was selected as the Head of the Plans dom, and Iraqi Freedom. His awards ble for the elaboration of the study: “Judi- Branch at the Spanish Defense Joint Staff, include the Individual Air Medal and cial Power: situation, objectives and Chief of the Inner Office for General Navy Commendation Medals with com- methods,” which was ultimately submitted Director of Defense Policy, Chairman of bat “V” devices. to Brussels. From 1977-1981 he collaborat- the Spanish Section at the Spain-United ed with articles and studies.With the Cen- States Permanent Committee and ACOS tral Press Agency, RECOPRESS. Plans and Policy at the Naval Headquarters MR. JOSÉ LUIS REQUERO IBAÑEZ In 2001 he was named Vocal of the Staff. VOCAL General Counsel of the Judicial Consejo del Poder Judicial. In 2004 he was was promoted to System Throughout his intensive career, he has Admiral and named Deputy Commander had time to write a few books: “El Consejo of NAVSOUTH and three months later he General del Poder Judicial” and “Extranje- was given his fourth star to Admiral Gen- ria y asilo politico: practica contencioso- eral and named Chief of Naval Staff. His administrativa,” plus numerous studies on specialty is in naval communications and Administrative Law. On a personal note, has received diplomas in Naval Warfare, Mr. Requero Ibañez is the proud father of holds the NATO medal, the UEO medal 10 children. and possesses many national and foreign awards.

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 25 GUEST SPEAKERS

ADMIRAL ROBERT J. NATTER, USN (ret.) REAR ADMIRAL JOSÉ ANTONIO na. In this assignment he was working for GONZÁLEZ CARRIÓN NATO, attached to the Spanish Submarine Director of Naval Education, Spain Nato Staff Commands. He also was profes- sor of the Spanish Naval War College in Madrid and was nominated as the the mil- itary representative in Nato Headquarters in Brussels. Having also worked in the Plans Division of the Ministry of Defense, he assumed the command of the Escuela Naval Militar in November 2001. On September 19th 2004 he was pro- moted to Rear Admiral and on October 2nd he was appointed Director of Naval Education. He is a recipient of the Naval Merit Cross and holds other personal and On June 23rd, 2005, thanks to NL member collective awards. Mr. Jim Nelson’s (Lockheed Martin) inter- vention we were honored to count Admiral On July 21st, 2005 we were honored to Robert J. Natter (ret.) as guest speaker. have as guest speaker the Director of Naval CAPTAIN NIGEL DEDMAN,R.N. Admiral Natter, whom, as NL Director Education in Spain. Present during the British Defense and Naval Attaché Mr.James Levy, vociferously proud of being dinner as well was the recipient of the American, would not stop from pointing NLUS Award, cadet Rafael Arias Ocejo, out during the dinner, “...commanded the number one in his graduating class.... world’s largest navy...,” by merely being in According to RA González Carrión charge of a “small” fleet of 160.000 sailors naval education is changing, adapting itself and marines, 162 ships and 1200 aircraft as to the new technological advances. The well as the 18 major shore stations provid- Academy in Marín is responsible for the ing training, maintenance and logistics formation of naval officers, (the school is support to the Atlantic Fleet! ... “No mean situated in Marín since 1943). RA González feat;” he enlisted in the Naval Reserve as a Carrión stressed the strong ties that the seaman recruit at the age of 17 and after Spanish Navy has with the US Navy and graduating from the Naval Academy rapid- how officers have been training in US ly rose through the military ranks!! ships, destroyers and minesweepers since He is a recipient of the Silver Medal, the early 70’s. four Awards of the Distinguished Service He commented on the new study pro- English member and newly appointed Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat gram via Intranet, similar to a “virtual Treasurer Mr. Stewart Cusden, (who took V and the Purple Heart amongst others. teaching course” that the Spanish Navy the coffers from Navy Leager par-excel- Since his command performances are so presented to the Naval Research Personnel lence, Past President, Mr.James Dodson), numerous we will cite the most important: Development Command at the University was responsible for bringing to the NL a Officer in Charge of a Naval Special of Monterey, and that could also serve in little bit of history on November 20th, Warfare in Vietnam; Ship Commander and their formation of officers. 2004: Commander of the US Seventh Fleet in RA González Carrión, born in Ciudad TRAFALGAR was the subject of this Asia; First Commander of the newly estab- Real graduated from the Naval Academy evening’s dinner. For those readers who lished US Fleet Forces Command. (2001) with the rank of Lieutenant junior grade in would like to refresh your memories on the He was responsible for establishing and July 1974. He was promoted to Captain in subject we propose you pick up an old his- implementing Navy-wide policies for man- 2000 and received a degree from the Span- tory book so as not get confused with ning, equipping and training all Atlantic ish Naval War College in 1995. He is a spe- today’s Red and Blue teams, -as far as we and Pacific Fleet ships and aircraft cialist in Naval communications and sub- know it has always been about Great squadrons. marines. Britain, Spain and France...Captain Ded- First Naval Component Commander In 1985 with the rank of Lieutenant, he man,R.N., was very diplomatic and to the US Northern Command established was the commanding officer of the coastal informative: he presented all those who in October 1st, 2002 in response to the minesweeper Odiel and in 1991 he com- attended with a complimentary miniature Global war on terrorism. He exercised manded the submarine, Siroco, for two book on the Life and Times of Lord Nel- operational control over east and west years with the rank of Lieutenant Com- son.... coast Navy and Coast Guard forces con- mander. Captain Dedman joined the Royal ducting missions in support of homeland His land assignments include the train- Navy in 1971 serving on board HM Ships defense. ing of operational crews of surface ships, TENBY, ENDURANCE and NUBIAN and Admiral Natter is a distinguished graduate of the chief of communications of the Span- received the first commission of the first the Naval War College and holds Master Degrees in ish Mediterranean Zone and opperations TYPE 42 DESTROYER, HMS Sheffield, Business Management and International Relations. officer of National Sobopauth in Cartage- before commencing helicopter flying train-

26 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 GUEST SPEAKERS

ing in 1976. Qualifying as an ASW Sea King MR. ANDREW H. HAZELL But harbors are not important just observer, he served in the 824th Squadron because terrorists or weapons can during the final commission of the Royal arrive on them, they are themselves an Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS ARK ROYAL. objective. Traffic tends to be concen- He was a Flight observer on the ship trated in some major cargo hubs as the HMS Kent serving in the 737th Squadron infrastructure is really expensive. The as a flying instructor of Wessex MK 3 type top 25 ports account for 98% of all helicopters. In 1981, he commanded the container shipments (U.S. Congress, HMS WALKERTON, a minesweeper in the House of Representatives, Maritime Fishery Protection Squadron based at Transportation Security Act of 2002, Rosyth, Scotland. In 1983, part of his flying Conference Report, H. Rept. 107-777, duties as a Senior Observer was policing p.4), which are those that carry high- the Falkland Island Protection Zone fol- value cargo and 50 of the US ports lowing the 1982 conflict with Argentina. account for 90% of all cargo tonnage. Promoted to Lieutenant Commander Ships carry 80% (more or less) of in 1984, he attended the SpanishWar Col- Mr. George Mahl convinced businessman world trade by volume (OECD, Securi- lege in Madrid, qualifying as well as an Mr. Andy Hazell to join the NL in 1991 and ty in Maritime Transport: Risk Factors interpreter. He then went on to join the also asked him to speak to the members and Economic Impact, Maritime Nato staff of the Commander ASW Strik- and share some of his secrets for a success- Transport Committee, July 2003.) so ing Force as both an aviation and ASW ful business... and, as any member should, this is the most important means of specialist. In 1989 he commanded the he gave an excellent dissertation on the do’s transport for goods, so far. Harbors, 829th Squadron on board the HMS ARK and don’ts for a stable relationship with the being such valuable places, become ROYAL coinciding with the front-line media on September 20th, 2004.... A native part of the terrorists’ objectives. introduction of the Sea King MK6 and of New Orleans, who graduated from the In fact, they can be “attacked” by operations in support of the Gulf War. University of Missouri with degrees in just using a container as a recipient for In 1990 he was promoted to Comman- Business Administration and Spanish, he chemical, biological, radiological or der and spent the next three years on the now owns and manages the corporate even nuclear weapons (CSR Report staff of the Maritime Tactical School on communications agency DÉDALO RS21293 Terrorist Nuclear Attacks on board HMS DRYAD. He then received an COMUNICACIÓN wih offices in Madrid Seaports: Threat and Responses; CRS appointment to work with the Defense and Barcelona. He has worked on most of Report RS21997, Port and Maritime Export Services Organization at the Min- Spain’s privatizations since 1989. Mr. Security: Potential for Terrorist istry of Defense promoting UK defense Hazell talked to us as he does regularly to Nuclear Attack Using Oil Tankers.), or equipment abroad. In 1997 he returned to businessmen, on how the Spanish media by sinking a medium-size ship in the the HMS DRYAD, the School of Maritime works, especially outlining the make-up harbor channel blocking traffic for Operations, as the Executive Officer and in and functioning of large media organiza- months. 1999 he joined the Staff of Second Sea Lord tions well known in this country. µ In any way, we should keep in mind in the Directorate of Naval Service Condi- that the new battle-space needs the tions and was also involved in the develop- Biographies prepared by NL close cooperation and coordination of ment of the Royal Navy’s Personnel Strate- Vice President Scott Cochrane. every branch of the US Armed Forces. gy for the 21st Century. “Pithy” comments by the Editor There is no place for jealousy and dis- Promoted to his current rank in 2001, putes between the different branches Captain Dedman returned to the Ministry while freedom is at risk, and innocent of Defense as head of Naval Section within people are being killed. All forces have the Defense Export Services Organization. to have a leading role to win this war, In July 2003 he was appointed Defense and (continued from page 18) just as it was in World War II. Naval Attaché to the Madrid Embassy. natural resources; defend the harbors In his spare time, Captain Dedman is and the littoral infrastructure, preserve Rafael Ortega Gonzalez is Techni- also the co-founding Director of TRADE the maritime mobility and security cal Director of the Spanish Atlantic AID UK, a non-profit organization which since the terrorists could try to damage Association-member of the Atlantic provides funding for housing, health and the economy of democratic countries Treaty Association. He enjoys writing education projects in the developing in any way they could. This is probably about weapons of mass destruction, world. the most traditional role of the Naval technology and security. His articles Forces (except the U.S. Marine Corps - have been published in Spanish maga- USMC). zines on the subject. µ Terrorists have been trying to stop the usual movements of people and goods, not only by killing people in our countries but by weakening the economies, it being their goal to affect the welfare of democratic citizens.

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 27 MEMBERSHIP Membership Report

By Mr. George Mahl

for Finconsult, S.A., and prior to that he ing in new members. At Lockheed she works was a Director of Corporate Finance for closely with President Jim Nelson and sup- GBS Finanzas. ports all activities related to communica- For those of you who have been around tions, special events, and public relations. long enough to remember, his dad was Prior to coming back to Spain in 2004 George Moore, President of Citibank and a she worked for Segal and Harza Engineer- real Mover and Shaker in the Spanish ing. She’s fluent in English and French as world of Finance. So it looks like we have a well as her native language. We are delight- chip off of the old block with us and hope ed to have her working with us, and best of that he finds the time to eventually join the all, she is really good looking. team that runs the Council. JOSE ANTONIO FERNANDEZ PALA- BRUCE GOSLIN. Most of you have heard CIOS. José Antonio is the new President of about Kroll Associates, the leading firm the Real Liga Naval Española and it is an involved in a lot of hush-hush investiga- honor and pleasure to have him with us as tions and global risk consultancy for cor- this enhances our close liason with the Span- ince the end of last October we are porations and governments. Well, their ish Armada. Aside from this, he is a leading pleased to report that we have had man in Madrid is Bruce Goslin and our industrialist being the President of Obyesa Svery good membership retention. only complaint is that we don’t see enough and Urbalia, major engineers and builders. Twelve excellent applicants have been of him as his work takes him far and wide He is also the Vice-President of the Real admitted to the Council while just five have and keeps him moving. Asemblea de Capitanes de Yate, member of left. We don’t have to remind you that we He had a fourteen year career with the IABSE, International Association of Bridge are ALL members of the Membership U.S. Government as an intelligence officer and Structural Engineers. When not Committee. The financial well being of the serving largely in Latin America – then ten involved in the aforementioned you will Council is wholly dependent upon increas- years with Kroll in Miami. Perhaps one of find him at the Escuela Tecnica of Inge- ing our roster of persons who have the these days he will give us a talk on the cloak nieros de Caminos, Canales, y Puertos potential of being Officers or Directors, and dagger business? where he has tenure as a Catedratico. and if our Editor has enough space she can As you can well imagine he has received include the guidelines for inclusion in the ERIC SISCO. Eric Sisco is an enigma. We many honors, too numerous to mention. best club in town. A recent Guest of Hon- know that he is the President of Maersk We welcome José Antonio and his wife our, Admiral Bob Natter, stated that the España which forms part of the Maersk Maria Cristina to the Council. Madrid Council was the best he had ever shipping company, one of, if not, the seen. Let us keep it that way! largest shipping company in the world. The MANUEL LOPEZ LOPEZ. Among his trouble is that we have never seen him! many accomplishments, Manuel is the CHRIS BROOKS. We welcome back to the With all the transport work they do for the President of International Development fold Chris Brooks, no stranger to most of USN, especially into the Middle East, we Projects, Senior Advisor to Lockheed Mar- you. Chris is an Aeronautical Engineer and were hoping that he could bring us up-to tin, and Executive Director of AFCON is occupied as a Director of Quality for a date on what the prestigious firm is doing. (Advanced Frigate Consortium – LM- civil aircraft maintenance firm, Flight Line Come on Eric, don’t be bashful, come and BIW-Navantia) Maintenance. see what we are all about. Other activites included that of V.P He also served a stint in the RAF as a Bazan, Senior Representative SEPI Nafta Flight Lieutenant, was a member of the EVA GARCIA. Eva manages the office of Region, Advisor to BIW-GD, Member Eurofighter Field Team, and the first RAF Lockheed Martin and is so good at it that we Spanish Association of Naval Engineers officer to study in Argentina since the Falk- invited her to become one of the Council’s and Architects, and was a recipient of the lands conflict. – Keep them flying Chris. Officers, which she graciously agreed to and Grand Cross of the Spanish Armada. is now the Council Secretary. This covers a lot Manuel and his wife Paula make their STEVENS MOORE. Steve is currently the of territory and she really helps the team with home in Moraleja as well as Carmel Cali- Managing Director of Corporate Finance good suggestions, and best of all, she is bring- fornia.

28 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 MEMBERSHIP

AGUSTIN ALVAREZ BOUZA. We wel- Welcome aboard to Ross and his wife, come back to the Council Contralmirante María. (continued from page 11) Bouza who took a sabbatical for while due Adm. Gen. Franciso Torrente to constant travel which kept him away ALBERTO FUENTES. Al is no stranger to of Allied Forces in Europe, who, from Madrid for long periods. Now that he most of, having been a former member during the Balkan war in the 90's, has become and Advisor to Lockheed Mar- who took a leave of absence for a while. He would say: “One Mission. One Team. tin we trust that he will settle down a bit. is now associated with NEXUS, an Execu- All together in. All together out.” And Agustín, apart from having served in tive Search firm and I understand he has a he explained that there is no doubt the Armada is a Naval Architect. While lot of positions open with six figure salaries that when the moment to act arrives with Armada he served on minesweepers (in Euros). what is important is to do it with “soli- and destroyers, Chief of Naval Systems, He served in the US Air Force, achiev- darity and cohesion”.Here he expressly Chief of Propulsion in Ferrol, etc., etc. All ing the rank of Captain specializing in mil- refers to Article I, 41-7 of the European told, a very distinguished career which itary aircraft maintenence. Constitution that reiterates the com- earned him the Gran Cuz de Merito Naval Welcome back to Al, and if he has any mitments of Nato. and the Gran Cruz de San Hermenegildo. of the big jobs left over please let us know. When asked about his personal And as good sailor, he and his wife relationship with the American naval María Louisa found time to raise five fine Departing members include Joan Eis- officers he told me they were extraor- children. chen who is on her way to Argentina, Scott dinary and that he profoundly admires Carmelitano, José Ramón López, David Admiral Vernon Clark, ret., with ANTONIO PEREZ DE LUCAS. Antonio is Young, and Javier Ribas of EDS who has whom he has coincided on five or six the new Director Técnico and Vice Presi- promised to come back when he gets fin- occasions, “a leader and strategist that dent of Navantia (formerly IZAR), and ished travelling for EDS. introduced an important change in the replaces José Ramón López who has American navy” and from whom he retired. July 2005 received the Award: “Commander of He is a Naval Engineer and in his cur- the American Legion of Merit, by vir- rent duties he is responsible for all military tue of a merit I believe I don't deser- vessel design which is now concentrated in ve”..He also considers as his friends Madrid. Before coming to Madrid in 1984 (viene de la página 8) Admirals Natter (ret.) and Johnson. he was assigned to the Ferrol shipyards. sé directamente que las relaciones entre To finalize, in respect of the NL He has membership in both the Cole- EEUU y España son extremamente Madrid Council, I wanted to know if gio and Asociación. de Ingenieros Navales sólidas y de cooperación. En el aspecto he was in agreement with the pro- de España and lives in Madrid with his de la Marina, Navantia está constru- nouncement by a US Ambassaor who wife, Teresa. Welcome Aboard! yendo submarinos que incluirán la tec- said while referring to the NL in 1970: nología LM/plataforma de misiles para “the best public relations effort that I ANDRES FERNANDEZ ALONSO. Watch hacerlos más efectivos. El Pentágono ha have ever witnessed...” And then he out Boeing – Here comes EADS-Casa. autorizado la venta de los misiles answered that the “navy leagues unite Andrés is head of Institutional Relations for Tomahawk para ser operativos en sub- the countries. Spain cannot be unders- the Military Aircraft – Defence and Security marinos españoles. Estamos muy agra- tood without the sea..., today the ame- Systems Division, located in Getafe. decidos por esta oportunidad para el ricans project themselves by the seas... We don’t have too much background negocio, y felicitamos , tanto al gobier- maybe because in Madrid we have no information on Andrés but do know that no como a los militares por haber ele- perception of a maritime condition... he and his wife Ana make their home in gido tan avanzada tecnología y así, ase- but the navy leagues help unders- Madrid . We are most pleased to have this gurar la victoria [el ganar-ganar-ganar] tand.... the relation of the NL with the prestigious firm on our roster and hope para los EEUU y España. µ Spanish Armada is very close. Every that Andrés will become a regular and year they invite and pay for the trip to active supporter of the Council. Annapolis and Norfolk, to the best graduate of the Naval Academy in ROSS MULLINS. Ross is a Vice-President Marín. I have met the President of the of Islalink which is a firm he put together US Navy League, Sheila M McNeill and after securing many millions of Euros for I also know of the NL connection with financing an undersea fibreglass optic the US Ambassador.” µ cable from Valencia to Palma de Mallorca. Considering that the major competitor was Telefónica this took some doing. Ross has served as the CEO of several firms based in Geneva and was a V.P. of Chase Manhattan Bank. Military Service covered the period 1970-73 as a LTJG aboard the USS Courtney with the Mediterranean Sixth Fleet.

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 29 TRIVIA / NAUTICIAS Trivia

On more than one occasion you probably dition became afterwords one of the justi- Anyone lawfully convicted of drawing a found yourself at a dead-end with the ciaries of the English Navy. Alfonso X intro- knife or other weapon with intent to strike dinner partner on your left ...from now duced and adopted the same code in Castil- another so as to draw blood, should loose la in the XIII Century.(News traveled fast...) his hand... on we hope you always read this section- so that you may indeed become the “The Black Book of the Admiralty....a Anyone lawfully convicted of theft “talk of the town” and startle your din- summary of the CODE OF OLÉRON was should have his head shaved and boiling ner partner on your right....with inter- written in Norman-French and found hid- pitch poured upon it and feathers or den in an old chest somewhere circa 1874. down should then be strewn upon it for esting, historical anecdotes... The first part of the book dates from the distinguishing of the offender; and Edward III, the latter belongs to the reigns upon the first occasion he should be put of Henry IV, V, and Henry VI. ashore.... he CODE OF OLÉRON (based on the Tsea law of Republic of Rhodes, derived Some of the laws: Excerpts from NL President, Mr. Thomas from Roman law and codified just as it had Denegre's Naval Customs - Tradition and been by other Mediterranean cities and Anyone that should kill another on Usage by Leland P. Lovette, 1934. states...). Richard Coeur de Lion used it at board ship should be tied to the dead body Marseille(not long ago) in 1190 while and thrown into the sea... NL Members are welcomed to con- awaiting transport for his crusade to the tribute with comments and interesting Holy Land. William de Forz Oléron, one of Anyone that should kill another on short stories. µ the five commanders of Richard I (test land should be tied to the dead body and yourself: who were the others?)on his expe- buried with it in the earth...

Nauticias FROM OTHER COUNCILS IN SPAIN

BARCELONA LEVANTE

Our readers should know that we main- Did you know that the Levante Council is making a considerable donation to the tain very good relations with the NL the oldest Council in Spain and has 120 Society. Contacts for the Council: Mr. Barcelona branch and its President, Tim members? We did not, so Board Director Ron MacMaster, President; Mr. John Cashman. They have a nice website: Charles (Jerry) Juroe put us on the right Power, Director (96-649-5228) and Mr. www.nlbcn.org in which they announce track. And that Mrs. Dorothy Wiart is the Havelock Nydus, Director (96-686- their future and past events, ships' visits senior member. Mr. Juroe told us that 8386). µ etc. On this last subject, it appears that they are having a special luncheon on they have had four US vessels like the October 29th in honor of Ms. June Bren- USS Bannon, the USS John F. Kennedy, nan, Director of the Marine Corps Relief the USS Spruance and the USS La Salle Society at the Naval Base in Rota. The visiting the port of Barcelona. Levante Council is

30 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 HISTORY “Damn the Torpedoes! Full Speed Ahead!” SUGGESTED READING

By Mr. James Dodson

“Gentlemen, I would see every man of ho said... During the Civil War, On Admiral David Glasgow Farragut you damned before I would raise my arm two strong Confederate forts and the Madrid Council of the US Navy against the flag.” Wprotected the narrow entrance league to Mobile Bay in Alabama. The bay area “It all started on May 30th, 1970 Memorial Admiral Farragut at Port Hudson, Mis- was a favored spot for Confederates to Day, the Spanish city of Ciudadela and the sissippi River, 1863 blockade-run the Union Navy. If the North Madrid Council of the Navy League of the was to completely cut off foreign supplies United States jointly inaugurated a monu- µ¤¤µ¤¤µ to the South and bring an end to the war, ment to Admiral Farragut in the 100th year they needed to contol Mobile Bay. of the Admiral's death. he reader should know that “in 1967, On the morning of August 5th, 1864, Jorge Ferragut Mezquida, father of Tthe Madrid Council of the USNL, ‘the with 14 wooden-hull frigates and four iron- Admiral David G. Farragut, was born in civilian Arm of the Navy’ agreed to assist clad ships, Union Admiral David Glasgow Ciudadela, Menorca in 1755. He left the Ciudadela and the Navy in the project that Farragut approached the two forts and the island in 1772 and settled in South Caroli- had begun two years earlier in the restora- entrance to the bay. In order to direct the na after several years of travelling through- tion and construction of a plaza in the battle from an elevated observation post, out the thirteen original colonies. Accord- Admiral’s honor. The famed Farragut stat- Farragut had himself tied to the mast of the ing to some historians, Jorge joined the ue was created by the artist/sculptor Mrs. USS Hartford. Sending the four ironclads in colonists in the Revolutionary War Mary Berry Barnes, wife of Madrid Coun- first as a shield for the wooden frigates, the because of his, shall we say, distrust of the cil member William Barnes and another Union Navy started to “run the gauntlet.” British who had occupied Menorca...He Madrid Council member, the architect Mr. A sailor later related that the ensuing served with distinction, first as a lieu- Lu Lubroth was in charge of designing the cannonade from the forts seemed like tenant and later as a major of cavalry. He plaza...” “all the earthquakes in the world, and all used his own boat in a naval battle at the thunder and lightning going off at Savannah, Ga. and experienced many ...from the booklet: The Madrid Coun- once. “ vicissitudes, including saving General cil and Menorca by Ed Bouffard, 1995. Then, suddenly the ironclad Tecumseh George Washington's life at the battle of hit a mine(called a torpedo in those days) Cowpens. After the war he decided to set- and exploded and rapidly sank. Its stem tle in Tennessee where he married Eliza- Commander Brees, Assistant Naval was seen rising out of the water, the pro- beth Shine of Scottish descent. This bond Attaché at the US Embassy, Madrid sent peller still turning as it slipped beneath the produced a son, “James” David Glasgow us information, as we prepare for publi- surface. Stunned, the Union battle line fal- Farragut. Because his real father Jorge was cation, that the US Department of tered and ships began to back up on one in ill health, he was educated and reared by Defense announced that the newest another. Commander David Porter, USN, a family Arleigh Burke class guided missile At this point, Farragut shouted to his friend who took him to Washington and destroyer, FARRAGUT, was christened on pilot from the rigging: “DAMN THE TOR- placed him in school. Saturday, July 23rd, 2005 during a cere- PEDOES! FULL SPEED AHEAD!” The The Secretary of the Navy, Paul Hamil- mony at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. Union fleet made it past the murderous fire ton, gave Farragut the promised “midship- Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Man- of the Confederate guns and into the bay man's warrant” and in fact he did find him- power and Reserve Affairs, William A. where they defeated the few Southern ships self a midshipman, at the age of 9 1/2!!...for Navas Jr., delivered the ceremony's prin- there. the next fifty years, he led apparently a nor- cipal address and Senator Susan M. Farragut was the first officer in the US mal and undistinguished naval career... Collins of Maine served as the ship’s Navy to receive the ranks of Vice Admiral A born and bred southerner, living in sponsor. “In the time-honored Navy tra- (1864) and Admiral (1866). His statues Norfolk Va., Farragut had decided to move dition, she broke a bottle of champagne stand in Washington, DC, New York City up north in 1861 when Virginia seceded across the bow to formally christen the and Ciudadela, Menorca. from the Union”...the rest is history... ship “FARRAGUT.”

Fall 2005 NAVY LEAGUE 31 MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

There are no specific requisites for becoming a They respect the fact that the Council is primarily a member of the Madrid Council. social organization and do not try to conduct business Most of our members come from the business commu- during its activities or presume on the bond of shared nity or one of the professions, membership to seek new clients. But we welcome applications from other fields as well. While interest in military affairs varies greatly from one Many of our members hold positions at the very top of member to another, all our members respect the Coun- their chosen vocation, but the majority have somewhat cil’s charter as part of the Navy League of the United more modest accomplishments to their credit. A suc- States and our commitment to support its aims and cessful career, per se, is not a pre-requisite. foment close relations with Spain, especially its Navy. As for personal qualities, some of us are outgoing and gregarious, some are more reserved, some are intellec- Last of all, our members share the qualities of that anti- tual, while others are interested in considerably more quated and much abused term, “Ladies and Gentle- mundane affairs. men”. First, they are honourable people. Second, they are What then do our members have in common? unfailingly courteous as a matter of course with their First of all, they are good company. They know how to fellow members, and in particular with the Council’s listen as well as talk. They are interested in hearing oth- guests and invited speakers. As we said above, our er people’s opinions as well as expressing their own. members are good company – and they like to be in They may express a friendly difference of opinion with good company. a dinner companion, but they do not get into violent arguments, nor do they attempt to impose their opin- ions or otherwise monopolize the conversation. George Mahl NAVYLEAGUE MADRID COUNCIL IN THE ARTS In the Arts MARIA CARRETERO, SCULPTOR AND LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

and Architecture: in 1991 in Buenos Aires H.E.Sr.D. José Francisco Reyes, the Town's (Architecture); in 1994 in San Francisco Mayor, wants to reccuperate the Tower's (Sculpture); in 1996 in Providence, RI glory by building a Naval Museum.” (Sculpture). In 1997 she was invited to par- It is in these surroundings that artist ticipate in the Conference of Architects and Maria Carretero is preparing her work, Open Spaces at the College of Architects of “La Nave de los Conquistadores” -The ves- Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. She was sel of the Conquerors-. For her it repre- the invited artist at the International Stone sents, “a vessel that permanently stayed Fair -Feria Internacional de la Piedra- in ashore, forgetting past conflicts and 1998 and at IFEMA in 2004. presently filled with light. A ship made of She has appeared in numerous publica- stone, that will travel the seas, reflecting tions and encyclopaedias, as well as in print also the journey made by man in the and film. course of his life in order to achieve his “YAIZA is one of the most beautiful goals, which begin and end with his life.” towns in Spain, located in Lanzarote, the This sculpture is similar to the “Hommage Canary Islands. Its surroundings make it a to the Pilgrim,” a renovated public space friend of the Navy League, Artist privileged place south of the island and converted into a 1km avenue made of cob- María Carretero - a Galician in facing the sea. The Tower is the only defen- blestones from Zimbabwe, granite and Ablood and soul - lives and works in sive structure built in 1741 by the engineer slate with designed lamps, waste baskets her studios in Madrid, Galicia and Lan- Claudio L'Isle, to defend the area from cor- and fences. All of this is enhanced with the zarote. sair attacks. Eventually, it was successfully monumental figure represented by the She has participated in many individual attacked by two algerian chiefs who burned Timeless Pilgrim in bronze that the artist and collective exhibitions on a national it down. In 1769 during the reign of Carlos made in 1996 in the French “Camino de and international level. She is an avid sup- III, the islands, under the governorship of Santiago” and in which she continues to porter of incorporating the ARTS in public HE.D. Miguel López Fernández de Here- work today as well as in other national and spaces and has collaborated in seminars dia, maréchal de camp, the Tower was re- international projects. µ that promulgate this idea . She has partici- built. It was then used to house troops, pated in various “Bienales” of Sculpture gunpowder and two water wells. Today, www.mariacarretero.com

“Hommage to the Pilgrim” Villa de Sarria, Lugo Camino de Santiago Francés

34 NAVY LEAGUE Fall 2005 LA NAVE DE LOS CONQUISTADORES Castillo o Torre del Águila in Yaiza, Lanzarote, María Carretero