Príncipe de Asturias, originally named Almirante Carrero Blanco, was a light aircraft carrier and former flagship of the Spanish Navy.

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 class).

Príncipe de Asturias and the Alpha Group frequently participated in peace support operations in the Adriatic Sea.

Unconfirmed sources also indicate the Philippines, several Arab countries,[3] and Angola had expressed interest in purchasing the Principe de Asturias.

While the concept never got off the drawing board for the United States, Spain took an interest in it in the early 1980s when seeking a replacement for its veteran carrier, Dédalo.

Constructed by the National Company Bazan (then Empresa Nacional Bazán, now Navantia) in their shipyard at Ferrol, Príncipe de Asturias was delivered to the Navy on 30 May 1988.

In May 2012 rumours emerged that Príncipe de Asturias could be withdrawn from active service and placed in a state of "restrictive standby" along with two of the Santa Maria-class frigates, due to the financial pressures on the Spanish government.