The minehunter “Duero” completes its integration into NATO's Standing Naval Countermine Group 2

•  The ship returns to Cartagena after contributing to maritime security and surveillance in the Mediterranean Sea for more than three months

The minehunter “Duero” (M-35) completes its integration into NATO's Standing Counter Mine Action Group 2 (SNMCMG-2). It is in transit to its home port at the Cartagena Arsenal after 105 days of navigation in the Mediterranean Sea.

During this time, the ship has carried out detection, classification and mine identification operations. In addition, it has participated in multinational exercises such as Dynamic Mariner, Italian Minex and Spanish Minex, which have improved the level of training and operational readiness of the crew, as well as interoperability with other allied vessels.

The “Duero” has contributed to guaranteeing freedom of navigation and maritime security in a strategic region for NATO, which reinforces Spain's firm commitment to deterrence and common defence within the Atlantic Alliance and consolidates the interoperability and cohesion between allied navies. This deployment also demonstrates the Navy's readiness, availability and commitment to international operations, as well as to the defence of national and allied interests in the maritime sphere.

Minehunter “Duero”

The minehunter “Duero” is the fifth unit of the “Segura” class. Its crew includes personnel from the Counter Mine Action Diver Unit and a nurse officer. In recent years it has participated in numerous national and international operations and exercises in the field of mine warfare and this will be its ninth integration into the SNMCMG-2.

The “Duero” has accumulated extensive experience in national and international missions and, with this new mission, further strengthens Spain's commitment to deterrence and collective defence, as well as contributing to the cohesion and interoperability of NATO forces.

NATO Standing Naval Groups. SNMCMG-2

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. Their key areas of operation are the Mediterranean Sea and the Baltic.

Naval mine action is vital to allow free navigation and ensure control of the sea for the rest of the force. This evidence underlines the importance of minehunters, which are fundamental to carry out all other naval operations. However, they are a key and irreplaceable means of achieving successful naval missions.

With the participation and integration of the “Duero” in the NATO Standing Group - more specifically, in SNMCMG-2 - Spain once again demonstrates its commitment to international security, as well as to its allies and other international organisations to which it belongs.