The A-14 'Patiño' completes its 2800TH Replenishment at Sea While Integrated into SNMG-2

• Since deploying in January, the ship has delivered over 9 million litres of fuel to Spanish and allied units

During the multinational exercise ‘Mare Aperto’, the Combat Supply Ship (BAC in Spanish) Patiño—currently integrated into NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group 2 (SNMG-2)—has successfully completed its 2,800th replenishment at sea. On this occasion, it transferred 295,000 litres of naval fuel and 30,000 litres of aviation fuel to the Italian ship San Giusto.

Since departing from Ferrol on 25 January, Patiño has conducted over 50 replenishments at sea, supplying more than 9 million litres of fuel to Spanish and allied vessels. This milestone reaffirms Patiño’s ability to sustain the operational tempo of the Task Group, demonstrates high levels of interoperability with allied forces, and consolidates its reputation as a key logistical platform in the Mediterranean.

During this deployment, Patiño has also taken part in NATO exercises Steadfast Dart, Dynamic Manta and Dynamic Mariner/Flotex-25. Its integration with SNMG-2 will conclude on 11 May, when the ship will begin its transit back to its home port in Ferrol, completing nearly four months of operations in support of maritime stability and security in the Mediterranean.

Combat Supply Ship Patiño: Proven Logistical Capability

The BAC Patiño belongs to the 31^st  Surface Ship Squadron, based in Ferrol, and was commissioned into the Spanish Navy in June 1995. Its primary role is to provide fuel, water, ammunition, provisions, spare parts, equipment, clothing, pharmaceuticals, and medical assistance to other units at sea.

The ship is designed to support a Carrier Strike Group—comprising one aircraft carrier, five frigates, and up to twenty embarked aircraft—for a continuous period of twenty days. To fulfil this role, Patiño has the capacity to carry over 7 million litres of marine diesel, more than 2 million litres of aviation fuel, 200 tonnes of fresh water, 115 cubic metres of dry provisions, 68 cubic metres of refrigerated stores, 50 cubic metres of frozen goods and 200 tonnes of stores and spare parts.

Patiño is also equipped with a hospital, including an operating theatre, dental clinic, X-ray suite, laboratories, sterilisation room, telemedicine facilities, consultation area, four intensive care beds and four additional hospital beds.

For replenishment operations at sea, the ship is fitted with five liquid transfer stations and four solid transfer stations. It also features a hangar and facilities for operating two heavy helicopters or three light helicopters, as well as two boats.

The ship’s complement includes a security operations team from the Northern Marine Infantry Regiment (Tercio Norte), an embarked air unit operating an H-135 helicopter, and a medical team comprising a doctor, two nurses, and a dentist. 

The Patiño has participated in numerous national and multinational exercises and operations. Its motto—‘Non venit ministrari, sed ministrare’ (‘I did not come to be served, but to serve’)—reflects the crew’s enduring commitment to supporting Spanish and allied naval units wherever required.