Spanish Frigate “Cristobal Colón” joins Standing NATO Maritime Group 2

• The Spanish vessel joins SNMG-2 as  flagship, taking over from frigate ‘Álvaro de Bazán’

Frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’ (F-105) joined the Standing NATO Maritime Group two (SNMG-2), taking over from frigate ‘Álvaro de Bazán’. The Group Staff will board on the F-105 on November the 14th, and the frigate will act as flagship throughout the deployment, in which it will carry out both exercises and operations as well as naval presence throughout the Mediterranean.

Spanish Rear Admiral Manuel Aguirre has been the current commander of the group since last June and he will remain at that position until next June 2021, boarding with his Staff in the frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’.

SNMG-2 is a standing NATO maritime group composed of allies’ naval and air units. The purpose of the Group is to provide NATO with an immediate operational reaction capability in maritime scenarios. The Navy maintains its on-going presence in these groups for more than thirty years.

During its integration, frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’ will contribute to operations by providing a high capability for defence and air detection due to its AEGIS combat system and the SPY-1D (V) multifunction radar. Its crew is made up of more than 220 men and women, Marines as Security Operational Team, an SH-60B helicopter and the Staff of the Commander of the Group. The ship's commander is Captain Juan Bautista Payá Martínez.