"Galicia" performed humanitarian aid operations to Central America following Hurricane Mitch from November 1998 to January 1999. "Castilla" participated in Operation Romeo Sierra in Perejil Island on 17 July 2002. Both vessels took part in the cleanup following the wreck of the tanker and the resulting oil spill from December 2002 to February 2003. In 2002–2003 "Castilla" underwent a refit that improved the vessel's command, control and communications capabilities. In July 2003, "Castilla" transported the Spanish Legion to Ash Shuahyabah, United Arab Emirates as part of Operation IF, returning in September. The ship was then sent to provide humanitarian aid to Haiti as part Operation Mar Caribe from October to December 2004. From January to April 2005, "Galicia" was deployed to provide humanitarian aid in Iraq.