Frigate 'Cristóbal Colón' contributes to maintaining peace and security in the Mediterranean

• The Spanish vessel carries the role of flagship within the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2)

Frigate 'Cristóbal Colon', as flagship of NATO's Standing Maritime Group Two, has reached the eastern end of the Mediterranean, where it is currently patrolling. Its main misión is to provide the Alliance with an immediate operational response capability in naval scenarios.

The Frigate's primary task is contributing to preserve peace and security at sea, for this reason it is also sailing in support of Operation Sea Guardian.

The participation of Spanish naval units in this sort of operations is usual. It shows Spain's international commitment to its allies and also contributes to the security of all.

SNMG-2 is a permanent NATO maritime grouping that integrates naval and air units from different allies. Since last June, the grouping is commanded by Spanish Rear Admiral Manuel Aguirre, embarked with his staff on board the frigate 'Cristobal Colon'.

'Sea Guardian' is a Maritime Security operation limited to the international waters of the Mediterranean Sea and focused on the knowledge of the maritime environment to deter and counter terrorism and other threats. It was established in 2016 succeeding operation "Active Endevour" and, since then, Spain has continuously taken part in it.

Frigate 'Cristobal Colon' has a crew of roughly 240 men and women during its integration, with an Operational Security Team (Marine Infantry), an SH-60B helicopter and the Group Commander's Staff. The ship's commander is Frigate Captain Juan Bautista Payá Martínez.