Frigate 'Cristóbal Colón' takes part in exercise Dynamic Manta 2021

• The spanish vessel, as NATO's SNMG2 flagship, begins its participation in the Alliance's largest anti-submarine exercise

Frigate 'Cristobal Colon',serving as SNMG2 flagship, is taking part in exercise Dynamic Manta 2021 (DYMA21), NATO's premier anti-submarine exercise, off the coast of Sicily. It aims at displaying the Alliance's readiness to defend all NATO allies against any submarine threat. Warships, submarines and aircraft from seven different nationalities are involved in the exercise, providing a complex and advanced scenario that enhances the interoperability of participating units.

Other purposes for the exercise include testing and improving new Alliance tactics to enable adaptation to the new challenges and threats of submarine warfare.

SNMG2 is a permanent NATO maritime grouping made up of naval and air assets from allied nations. Since last June until June 2021, the grouping has been commanded by Spanish Rear Admiral Manuel Aguirre, who is embarked with his staff aboard the Spanish frigate. The Group's role mission is to provide NATO with an immediate operational response capability in naval scenarios. The Spanish Armed Forces have maintained a regular presence in allied groupings for more than 30 years.

Throughout its integration, frigate 'Cristóbal Colón' contributes to these operations by providing a powerful air defence and detection capability. It is made up of 240 men and women, including Marines as Operational Security Team, an SH-60B helicopter and the Grouping Commander's Staff.