The frigate F-81 'SANTA MARÍA' sets sail to join the NATO operation 'SEA GUARDIAN'.

• The Navy vessel will be deployed in the Mediterranean until the end of November.

The frigate 'Santa María' is joining NATO's 'Sea Guardian' Operation in the Mediterranean Sea. The warship has hosted on board personnel from the Atlantic Alliance's MARCOM (Allied Maritime Command) from the United Kingdom, a visit that strengthens the relationship between the General Headquarters and the frigate.

The 'Santa María' is planned to be deployed until the end of November, during which time it will take command of the TG 440.03 and operate in the western Mediterranean Sea, ensuring maritime security.

Operation Sea Guardian, under the NATO flag, is primarily aimed at preventing and deterring terrorism, as well as eliminating the various threats that may exist in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea and in the vicinity of the Strait of Gibraltar. For this mission, maritime security operations are carried out in which the main objective is to obtain a solid knowledge of the maritime environment which, together with an optimal exchange of information between allies, allows security to be maintained in the area.

During the deployment, the frigate will focus primarily on counter-terrorism. It will focus its efforts on supporting maritime awareness and contributing to building regional maritime security capabilities. These three permanent tasks are contained in the mission concept.