Federico Gravina's uneven command experience

Was Spanish commander Federico Gravina a nonentity at Trafalgar?

No. He had substantial siege and amphibious experience, though relatively little experience of major fleet command before Trafalgar.

Federico Gravina was not a nonentity. His record included the siege of Gibraltar, the capture of Menorca, and the siege of Toulon before Trafalgar. That was significant experience, but not a long apprenticeship in fleet command comparable to Nelson's. Gravina's stronger record in amphibious operations shows why a commander's competence must be matched to the kind of operation being fought.