NATO´s SNMG2 Command Ship arrives in Rota Naval Base

• Spanish Frigate 'Alvaro de Bazán' docks at Rota Naval Base for a logistic scale after being deployed in the Mediterranean and Black Sea 

The Spanish frigate F-101 "Álvaro de Bazán", command ship of NATO's Standing Maritime Group No. 2 (SNMG2) has docked at the Rota Naval Base for a logistical scale.

Since Spain took over the command of SNMG2 on June 30th, the group has participated in two maritime exercises in the Black Sea, hosted by Bulgaria and Ukraine, both has contributed to surveillance maritime areas that are key to the stability of the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. The ship has visited the ports of Burgas (Bulgaria), Odessa (Ukraine) and Souda (Greece), although due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the crew was not allowed to visit these cities.

Upon its arrival in Rota, the frigate F-101 "Álvaro de Bazán", started a logistical scale to carry out maintenance duties, an essential task after almost two months at sea since the ship left its home port in Ferrol on June 22nd. There will also be some personnel replacements following all protocols against the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the end of August, the group will resume its usual activity, including maritime surveillance, naval presence in areas of interest to the Alliance and participation in naval exercises that will improve the interoperability between allied and friend navies.