The Spanish frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ arrives in port at Yokosuka, Japan

The arrival of the Spanish frigate serves to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance cooperation between both nations and their navies.

The Spanish frigate ESPS ‘Méndez Núñez’ (F-104), currently deployed on Operation Highmast, has made a scheduled port call at Yokosuka Naval Base, located in Tokyo Bay, Japan.

Upon arrival, a welcoming ceremony was held ashore by the host ship, the JS ‘Kumano’, attended by representatives of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Ambassador of Spain to Japan.

This visit reinforces diplomatic and defence cooperation between the two nations and their respective naval forces. It also provides an opportunity to conduct logistical operations and to receive resupply shipments from Spain.

During its stay in Japan, the Spanish warship held an open day, which was well attended by the local population and members of the Spanish community residing in the region.

An official reception was also held on the ship’s flight deck, presided over by the Ambassador of Spain, Mr Íñigo de Palacio España, and attended by local authorities, ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from allied nations, as well as senior military officials.

The presence of ESPS ‘Méndez Núñez’ in Japanese waters constitutes a clear demonstration of Spain’s steadfast commitment to international maritime security. It also serves to project the image of the Spanish Armed Forces as a pillar of stability and cooperation in strategically important regions, while further strengthening the historic and cultural ties between Spain and Japan.

The ‘Méndez Núñez’ sails with the British Carrier Strike Group

Following its port visit to Yokosuka, the frigate has resumed operations, now continuing its transit toward its second port call in Japan, this time at Kure Naval Base. While in the region, the Spanish frigate is scheduled to participate in joint integration activities and exercises with the JS ‘Kaga’, a helicopter carrier of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.

Since late April, ESPS ‘Méndez Núñez’ has been fully integrated into the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25), led by the aircraft carrier HMS ‘Prince of Wales’. From its departure from Ferrol Naval Base, the Spanish warship has engaged in a wide range of activities aimed at achieving full interoperability within the multinational task group. During the initial days at sea, the participating units established robust command, control and communication  networks, enabling coordinated operations among the naval assets of the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada, and Spain.

Over the course of its first month within the strike group, ‘Méndez Núñez’ has sailed through the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Highmast deployment, reaching the Indo-Pacific theatre of operations, where it will remain assigned to CSG25 until 10 August. Following this period, the frigate is scheduled to commence its return transit to Spain under national command. 

Participation in this Carrier Strike Group represents both a logistical and operational challenge for the crew of ‘Méndez Núñez’, and, more importantly, an opportunity to demonstrate Spain’s technological autonomy, the power projection capabilities of the Spanish Armed Forces, and Spain’s enduring commitment to maritime security and global stability.