"Castilla" participated in Operation Romeo Sierra in Perejil Island on 17 July 2002 during the Perejil Island crisis. The LPD 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 the ship 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.