The AOR 'Cantabria' shows its versatility in NATO Standing Maritime Group.

• The ship is part of the NATO Standing Maritime Group No. 2 (SNMG2)

The Fleet Replenishment Ship 'CANTABRIA' joined NATO's Standing Maritime Group No. 2 (SNMG2), part of the Atlantic Alliance's Very Rapid Response Force (VJTF-M), on 10 May.

Since its arrival, the ship has been able to develop its potential as a supply vessel. In less than a week, it has carried out nine supply manoeuvres, covering all types of supply at sea: from liquids over the side, solids over the side, vertical by helicopter (VERTREP) and in port. In these operations, all types of supplies have been transferred, such as fuel, lubricants, spare parts, dry and frozen food, spare parts, cleaning and pharmacy materials.

With the frigate 'Blas de Lezo' (F-103), which is part of the same NATO's Standing Maritime Group, six operations have been carried out to guarantee maximum availability after the frigate has been deployed for three months. A milestone in the life of the ship, as well as of the AORs in Spain, has been achieved, having supplied 56 pallets of different cargo, such as spare parts, supplies and medicines, to the 'Blas de Lezo' in a single manoeuvre. During the manoeuvre, a total of 72 cargoes were moved between the two ships, thus ensuring logistical support in the area of operations for a deployed ship.

The 'Cantabria' has also carried out six other supplies at sea through its liquid stations with the various ships with which it is deployed, supplying both naval diesel and aviation fuel.

Another important element of the ship is its organic helicopter, with which it carried out a transfer of personnel and material and, subsequently, a vertical supply to move the cargo to be supplied to the other ship in suspension.

The capabilities to support a naval force were also completed with a supply of material in port, thanks to the ship's self-sufficiency in handling by means of its own cranes and forklifts, which allow it to operate in ports without external means.

With this deployment, Spain continues to demonstrate its firm commitment and solidarity with its allies, with whom it shares the permanent effort to guarantee security at sea and presence in areas of interest.