Ongoing operations
The frigate F-105 ‘Cristóbal Colón’ completes its integration into NATO's Standing Naval Group No. 2
In Ferrol
December 15, 2024
- The frigate F-105 ‘Cristóbal Colón’ completes its integration into NATO's Standing Naval Group No. 2
The frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’ (F-105) has docked at the Ferrol Arsenal after completing its integration into NATO's Standing NATO Group Number 2 (SNMG-2).
Captain Jesús Viñas Barciela, commander of the 31st Surface Squadron, boarded the ship and addressed the crew. In his speech, he stressed the importance of the work carried out to guarantee the collective security of the members of the Atlantic Alliance and wished the ship's crew a happy return home.
The frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’ set sail on 23 August from the port of Souda (Greece), where it joined NATO's Standing Naval Group 2 (SNMG-2). During almost four months of deployment in the Mediterranean Sea, the ship has contributed to deterrence, maritime security - through NATO's Operation Sea Guardian - and the interests of NATO countries and nations.
Among other contributions, the frigate ‘Christopher Columbus’ has monitored the activity of Russian naval units as they transit the Mediterranean Sea. In particular, NATO seeks to ensure freedom of navigation and maintain an adequate level of deterrence. During these activities, the ‘Cristobal Colon’ was able to monitor Russian missile launches east of the island of Cyprus, where Russian naval units conducted a ‘Zircon’ hypersonic surface-to-surface missile launch exercise.
During its deployment, the ‘Christopher Columbus’ has sailed more than 21,000 nautical miles - the distance required to circumnavigate the globe - and has contributed to NATO's naval presence in countries such as Greece, Italy and Türkiye. During her stays in port, she was visited by the Minister of Defence and the Spanish ambassadors to Greece and Portugal. It has also participated in various multinational exercises organised by allied countries and NATO.
Throughout its patrols, the frigate has monitored more than 2,000 ships, which has aided the Alliance's knowledge of the maritime environment. Its on-board helicopter, an SH60B from the 10th Aircraft Flotilla Squadron, conducted more than 30 air operations on surface and underwater missions. In addition, thanks to the capabilities of its Combat System and its SPY-1D(V) multifunction radar, the ‘Cristobal Colon’ has led air defence operations within the NATO group.
NATO standing naval groups
NATO's Standing Naval Groups (SNF), which include two escort groups (SNMGs) and two minehunting groups (SNMCMGs), are the forces that provide a permanent maritime presence for NATO.
Its key areas of operation are the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Baltic, Northern Flank, Southern Corridor (from the Strait of Hormuz to the Suez Canal), including off the coast of Somalia.
SNMG-2, which operates in Mediterranean waters, forms the core of the ‘NATO Very High Readiness Maritime Force’ (VJTF-M), in the framework of Operation Noble Shield, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
This deployment reinforces Spain's and the Navy's commitment to the Alliance, as well as its solidarity with other NATO member countries, thus supporting deterrence and collective defence at and from the sea.
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