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Tonina submarine anchors at Cartagena's historic museum
Spain’s longest-serving Navy vessel finds a home in epic tunnels beneath Mount Galeras
Cartagena made history on Friday October 17 as the city officially took ownership of the legendary Tonina S-62 submarine, setting the stage for its transformation into a must-see museum piece. The ceremonial handover, led by Mayor Noelia Arroyo, Admiral Alejandro Cuerda and regional president Fernando López Miras at Navantia, marks the start of a project that promises to reinvent local heritage and tourism.The city plans to restore the submarine and create a striking exhibition space deep in the Espalmador tunnels, carved into Mount Galeras. “We are going to take advantage of a unique location in Spain to create a unique space in Europe,” declared Mayor Arroyo. She described the Tonina as “the main attraction” and stressed that the new museum will celebrate the story of Spanish submarines and the vital link between Cartagena and the Submarine Force.
The Tonina itself is a true veteran, clocking 32 years in the Spanish Navy, having sailed more than 200,000 miles and spent over 31,000 hours beneath the waves. “We will ensure the Navy’s most profitable submarine continues to serve the Navy, Cartagena and Spain,” Arroyo said.
Supported by the Ayuntamiento, the Navy and regional funding, the museum will be dedicated to the sea, technology and naval history. President López Miras announced, “Visiting the Tonina will not only be a tourist highlight or a tribute to those who served. It will encourage support for our Navy and the growth of the defence industry.”
Admiral Cuerda, fittingly the Tonina’s final commander, paid tribute to all the “tonineros” and former captains present, and spoke of Cartagena’s special bond with Spain’s naval legacy. “Few cities can say they are part of the soul of the Navy, and Cartagena is one of them. The history of the Navy cannot be understood without Cartagena, nor Cartagena without the Navy,” he said.
With formal transfer complete, the Tonina embarks on a new chapter - one that will keep Cartagena anchored as a centrepiece of Spain’s naval history, and create a cultural landmark few cities can match.
You might also be interested in: More than 20 years in the making: Spanish Navy celebrates launch of S-82 submarine Narciso Monturiol in Cartagena
Image. Ayuntamiento de Cartagena
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