Naval cover and independent judgment at Peñón de Vélez

During the first Peñón de Vélez expedition, Bazán argued that Ottoman supply weaknesses created an opportunity for a more determined attack. When the army acted half-heartedly, his galleys covered the troops during both their landing and evacuation. He disputed the senior command council and acted with the independence of a force commander even though he was expected to await signals. His behavior bordered on insubordination, but it also displayed the independent operational judgment and close naval support that recur throughout his career.