As thousands of locals cheered and other boats sounded their horns, the largest and most expansive addition to Spain’s Naval Fleet moved down the slipway timed to coincide with evening high tide. The Spanish National Anthem played as the giant vessel entered the water. Of course, there were no lyrics sung along with the Anthem due to ongoing controversy in the country.

The King, Juan Carlos I, accompanied Queen Sophis to see the launch of the boat in his name, and was dressed for the occasion in the uniform of Navy General Capitan. Also present were the Ministers for Defense and Culture, José Antonio Alonso and César Antonio Molina, together with other dignitaries.

Affectionately named the “Juan Carlos I” was launched at 18:09 Monday night in Ferrol. Within a year, this aircraft carrier will be handed over to the Spanish Navy and anticipated to be in service in two years time.

The huge ship was blessed by Queen Sofia and toasted with a bottle of champagne in honor of her husband, King Juan Carlos, for whom the ship got its name. The new addition to Spain’s Naval fleet has four times the features and abilities as the current aircraft carrier, ‘Principe de Asturias’.

The King, Juan Carlos I, accompanied Queen Sophia to see the launch of the boat in his name, and was dressed for the occasion in the uniform of Navy General Capitan. Also present were the Ministers for Defense and Culture, José Antonio Alonso and César Antonio Molina, together with other dignitaries.

About the ship:
The aircraft carrier is said to be 12 stories high and will be captained by Andrés Amable.
It will become home to 1200 soldiers and a maximum of 30 planes. It also is home to 20 12.7mm guns and sports its own anti missile defense system onboard. Among its uses, the ship is equipped as an emergency medical vessel complete with medical and dental facilities and has the capacity to carry 27000 tons of cargo in its hold below.
(Source: TypicallySpanish.com)