The AOR “Cantabria” joins NATO's “Noble Shield” mission in the Mediterranean

• The Spanish vessel will be part of NATO's Standing Maritime Group 2 until mid-December and will participate in two international exercises

The Combat Supply Ship (AOR) “Cantabria” —under the command of Commander Manuel Romero Nieto— has joined NATO's Operation Noble Shield, a maritime security mission led by NATO Standing Maritime Group 2 (SNMG-2) in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

This operation contributes to the Alliance's collective defence by providing a constant naval presence, as well as ensuring freedom of navigation and improving interoperability between allied and partner nations. The Spanish ship also participated in this operation last year, where ‘we will continue to contribute to Spain's security and defence from the waters of the Mediterranean,’ says Commander Romero.

In SNMG-2, as on previous occasions, the Cantabria will contribute its logistical capabilities to increase the autonomy of the group's units and other allied units in the area. This year, it will remain part of the naval group until mid-December and, in addition to surveillance missions, will participate in the international exercises “Niiris” in Greece and “Dogu Akdeniz” in Turkey. Both exercises take place in complex scenarios caused by crisis situations very similar to those we are currently living, while testing the procedures and systems of the Alliance's ships.

In this deployment, and In addition to her crew, the Cantabria has on board military personnel from the Embarked Air Unit (UNAEMB) of the 12th Aircraft Squadron, an H-135 helicopter, recently incorporated into the Navy, and a Marine Corps Security Operations Team (EOS), which reinforces the ship's capabilities and protection.

SNMG: Spain's commitment

NATO has Standing Naval Forces (SNF) that provide the Alliance with a continuous naval presence. This multinational deterrent force is an essential maritime requirement for the Alliance. These forces carry out a programme of scheduled exercises, manoeuvres and port visits, and can be deployed rapidly in times of crisis or tension.

NATO's SNFs consist of four groups: the NATO Standing Maritime Groups (SNMG), comprising SNMG1 and SNMG2; and the NATO Standing Mine Countermeasures Groups (SNMCMG1 and SNMCMG2).

SNMG1 and SNMG2 operate according to the Alliance's operational requirements, thereby helping to maintain optimal flexibility. Their composition varies and they usually consist of between two and six ships from NATO countries. SNMG1 and SNMG2 are under the authority of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) in Northwood, United Kingdom. Spain has participated in NATO's SNFs since 2017