The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ trains alongside the Australian destroyer ‘Sydney’

• Until August 10^TH, the Spanish vessel will remain deployed within the Carrier Strike Group of the British aircraft carrier HMS ‘Prince of Wales’

The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ (F-104) has conducted training at sea with its twin ship, designed and built by Navantia: the HMAS ‘Sydney’ destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy, during its transit towards the port of Darwin.

Over several days, both vessels carried out various joint exercises, including a simultaneous refuelling operation with the British ship ‘Tidespring’, as well as a coordinated surface gunnery exercise. In addition, they conducted a personnel exchange at sea to share experiences and strengthen ties between the Australian and Spanish navies.

Both ships made a port call at Darwin, where they engaged in institutional activities, including a visit onboard by the Spanish Ambassador to Australia, Esther Monterrubio Villar, along with the Administrator of the Northern Territory, Hugh Heggie, the representative of the British Monarch, and the Defence Attaché of Spain in Australia, Captain (NAVY) Ernesto Zarco Gil.

During the visit, civil and military authorities had the opportunity to tour the frigate’s facilities, as well as receive a briefing on the capabilities of the ‘Méndez Núñez’ and its role in the ‘Highmast’ deployment.

After concluding its port visit in Australia, the frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ continues its voyage towards Japan.

The ‘Méndez Núñez’ frigate within the British Carrier Strike Group.

At the end of April, the Spanish frigate integrated into the Carrier Strike Group of the British aircraft carrier HMS ‘Prince of Wales’ designated Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 25. Since departing from the Ferrol Arsenal, it began a series of activities to achieve full interoperability within this international task group. During the initial days at sea, all ships ensured the necessary communication, command, and control networks were in place to operate in a coordinated manner, allowing naval units from the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada, and Spain to work together.

During the first month of integration into the Carrier Strike Group, the ‘Méndez Núñez’ frigate has sailed through the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea as part of ‘Highmast’ alongside the other allied ships, until reaching the operational area in the Indo-Pacific, where it will continue its mission until 10 August. From then, and as planned, it will begin its return to Spain under national command.

Participation in this Carrier Strike Group has presented both logistical and operational challenges for the ‘Méndez Núñez’ and its crew, but, above all, it represents an opportunity to showcase Spain’s technological capability and independence, the projection capacity of our Armed Forces across different geographical areas, as well as reaffirming our commitment to maritime security and global stability.