Before the merger, between 2004 and 2009, the two units operated under a single Special Naval Warfare Command.

[1] Between 1967 and 2009, the special operations of the Spanish Navy were conducted by the UOE, whose many traditions the FGNE adopted – including the use of the special forces "green beret", the Capacitación selection course, and the organization of operational units into Estoles.

[2] Inheriting the reputation and continuing the record of the UOE, the FGNE "has long been one of Europe's most respected special forces.

The FGNE has been deployed across several operations, including Atalanta in Somalia, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and Hispaniola in Haiti.

[4] The Special Naval Warfare Force also took part during the hijacking of the Spanish fishing vessel Alakrana in October 2009, parachuting into Somali waters and being recovered after by the frigate Canarias.