The Navy vessel has made its final port call of its deployment in SNMG-1 at the Latvian capital.

• The Navy vessel has made its final port call of its deployment in SNMG-1 at the Latvian capital.

Having completed its participation in the 'BALTOPS 2023' exercise, the frigate 'Álvaro de Bazán' has called at the Latvian port of Riga to carry out naval presence, cover logistical needs and provide rest for the crew.

On this occasion, the Spanish vessel entered the port unaccompanied by the other units of the NATO Standing Naval Grouping N.1 (SNMG-1). The representation duties of NATO during the port call were entrusted by the Rear Admiral in Command of SNMG-1 to the commander of the 'Álvaro de Bazán'.

During the stay in port, the ship acted as a host for the Spanish community in the Latvian capital, as well as for the military personnel deployed there in the 'Enhanced Forward Presence XII' (‘Presencia Avanzada Reforzada XII’ in Spanish) contingent of the Army, and for various civilian and military authorities in the area.

The Spanish Ambassador to Latvia, Manuel Alhama Orenes, was received on board with honours. A protocol welcome was also held in the presence of the Spanish ambassador and ten other diplomats, as well as personnel from the Spanish community in Riga, military personnel from various countries deployed in Latvia and other civilian and military authorities.

After concluding its port call, the vessel begins its transit back to Ferrol, where it will finish its integration into SNMG-1, after more than 130 days deployed and having sailed 25,000 nautical miles.