The Príncipe de Asturias, originally named Almirante Carrero Blanco, is an aircraft carrier and was the flagship of the Spanish Navy. She was built in Bazan's Shipyards and delivered to the Spanish Navy on 30 May 1988.
Spain has operated aircraft carriers since the 1920s, initially with the seaplane tender SPS Dédalo and later the multi-role light carrier SPS Dédalo, which was formerly the US Navy's World War II light carrier USS Cabot. The SPS Dédalo was replaced as the navy's fleet flagship by the Príncipe de Asturias. The ship was permanently assigned to the Alpha Group, comprising the carrier and six Santa Maria class frigates (a Spanish version of the USN Oliver Hazard Perry FFGs). Other vessels such as logistic ships, tankers and corvettes are frequently assigned to the Group when required. Príncipe de Asturias and the Alpha Group have participated in peace support operations in the Adriatic Sea.
The ship became a victim of defence cuts, being officially decommissioned on 6 February 2013. It has been recently revealed that Angola is planning to purchase the Principe de Asturias although this has not been confirmed by official sources.

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