Frigate ‘Álvaro de Bazán’ will be integrated in SNMG1

• The Spanish Navy vessel will deploy, at least 4 months, within the SNMG1

Frigate 'Álvaro de Bazán' is sailing towards the Norwegian Sea to join Standing NATO Maritime Group 1(SNMG1). The deployment will last around 4 and a half months. The frigate's main mission is showing Spain's commitment to the Atlantic Alliance and defend national and allied interests. Together with the other vessels of the Group, the 'Alvaro de Bazán' will offer its capabilities to act and keep a permanent naval presence in the designated areas, thus contributing to NATO's deterrence and defence posture.

Frigate 'Álvaro de Bazán' - part of SNMG1 and reporting to the Operations Command - will not only take part in this Permanent Operation, but will also be present in several international manoeuvres such as JOINT WARRIOR and BALTOPS.

The SNMG1, whose area of operation mainly encompasses the North, Norwegian, and Baltic Seas, is a multinational and integrated rapid response force that is continuously available and trained to carry out tasks under Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM, in Spanish) directives.

Frigate 'Álvaro de Bazán', commanded by Frigate Captain Jesús Viñas Barciela, was delivered to the Navy on 19 September 2002 and is the first frigate in the F-100 series, belonging to the 31^st Surface Fleet

The 31^st Surface Vessels Fleet, commanded by Captain Gonzalo Leira Neira, consists of five F-100 frigates and two combat supply vessels based in Ferrol, which provide important deterrent and defence capabilities.