THE FRIGATE 'ALVARO DE BAZAN' SAILS AGAIN WITH THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS 'GERALD R. FORD'

• For three weeks, the Navy ship carried out maritime surveillance operations in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea, while taking part in maritime exercises.

The frigate 'Álvaro de Bazán' has completed its participation in surveillance and maritime security operations in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea. This surveillance period has given continuity to its integration in the NATO Standing Naval Grouping No. 1 (SNMG-1) after the Grouping's landfall at the Icelandic port of Reykjavik, which marked the end of the exercise 'Dynamic Mongoose 2023'.

During the almost three weeks of maritime surveillance, the Spanish frigate has been present in waters of the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea along with the rest of the units of the grouping. They have combined surveillance work with participation in various exercises, including the 'Formidable Shield' in North Atlantic waters, exercises with the US aircraft carrier battle group 'Gerald R Ford' in North Sea waters, and gunnery exercises with the rest of the SNMG-1 in Danish waters of the Baltic Sea.

The ship's participation in 'Formidable Shield', as part of its specific NATO enhanced surveillance activities, allowed its presence to be added to those of the Combat Supply Vessel (BAM) 'Patiño' and the frigate 'Blas de Lezo'. The simultaneous participation of the three Spanish units, all components of the 31st Escort Squadron, underlined Spain's importance as the country with the largest presence of surface units in the exercise, proof of Spain's commitment to NATO and to international maritime security.

The 'Álvaro de Bazán' has also carried out exercises with the USS 'Gerald R. Ford' Battle Group. This activity has been a good opportunity to enhance the training of the entire grouping, and a source of encouragement for the crew of the Spanish frigate, which was able to return to operate at sea with the "wolverines" of the US aircraft carrier. Both units were working together after the inaugural deployment of the US NAVY's brand new aircraft carrier, in which the 'Álvaro de Bazán' took part in Atlantic waters.

To conclude, the frigate took part in firing exercises with its cannon and small arms at a Danish Navy firing range. Air and surface targets, remote-controlled and towed targets were engaged. It was demonstrated that the 'Álvaro de Bazán' is still in good shape and ready.

Having completed the enhanced maritime surveillance voyage, the Spanish frigate arrived in Gdynia to prepare for the following activities, which are expected to be the last before the end of its integration into SNMG-1 at the end of June.

 The frigate 'Álvaro de Bazán'.

The frigate 'Álvaro de Bazán' has a crew of more than 200 women and men on board, including an embarked air unit, an operational security team belonging to the Security Unit of the Tercio de Armada and a Chaplain.-

The frigate is part of the 31st Escort Squadron based in Ferrol. The squadron consists of five F-100 frigates and two combat supply ships that provide deterrence and defence capabilities.