The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ carries out operational activities with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during its navigation to the Philippines

These activities are proof of the Spanish Navy's high capacity for integration with allied navies, as well as the strength of international cooperation procedures in the maritime domain

The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ (F-104), as part of the Operation Highmast international deployment, has joined forces with the helicopter carrier JS Kaga and the destroyer JS Teruzuki, both belonging to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, on their way to the Philippine Sea. During these days of joint navigation, various interoperability exercises have been carried out, in addition to an exchange of military personnel between units.

For Commander Jaime Salvador Muñoz-Delgado Perez, commander of the frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’, these operational activities have made it possible to achieve a high level of interoperability in a very short time, while he emphasises that ‘at sea, we have carried out all exercise types, some of which are complex, demonstrating the professionalism and camaraderie of the Japanese and Spanish crews. Furthermore, we have served as a liaison between the Japanese and British groups, which continue to jointly operate these days.’

Within this framework of bilateral cooperation, a Spanish officer boarded the JS Kaga while a Japanese liaison officer embarked on the Spanish ship, which was a very significant experience for both parties.

Lieutenant Commander Antonio Piñeiro Filgueira, Public Affairs Officer (PAO), highlighted that ‘the arrival of Japanese Liaison Officer Kaito Kuragi on board was an infusion of renewed enthusiasm. You could see in his eyes that he was astonished by everything he saw on the frigate, and that he got fully integrated into the officers' mess from the very beginning.’

All these activities are evidence of the Spanish Navy's high capability for integration with allied and friendly navies, as well as the strength of international cooperation procedures in the maritime domain.

Following these activities, which took place after the frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’s three-day stopover in the port of Kure, the frigate has now rejoined the mission and is once again operating with the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, entering the final stage of its participation in the combat group.

Stopover in the port of Kure

Regarding the frigate’s stopover in the port of Kure, it is worth highlighting the extraordinary welcome that Japan gave to the ‘Méndez Núñez’. Upon its arrival, a welcome ceremony on land was held and attended by Japanese military authorities and representatives of the crews of Japanese ships stationed there.

This stopover became a milestone in bilateral relations and contributed to the strengthening of diplomatic and cooperation ties between Spain and Japan. In addition, this official visit was the first contact for the operational coordination of the activities planned at sea with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

During its stay in the port, an open day event was held for the local population, which resulted in more than 1,000 visitors on board. A protocol visit was also offered to local civil and military authorities, which enabled the strengthening of institutional relations and mutual understanding.

All in all, the presence of Spanish naval forces in Japanese and Indo-Pacific waters reinforces Spain's firm commitment to international maritime security, and it helps in the projection of an image of the Armed Forces as key actors in stability and cooperation in regions of strategic interest. This visit also points out the historical ties of mutual trust and friendship that exist between Spain and Japan.

Final stage of the navigation: return to Spain

The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ will remain as part of the British CSG until the 10th of August. Afterwards, and following a stopover in the Philippines, it will begin its return to Spain under national command, during which it will carry out defence diplomacy activities, with an estimated arrival at its home port in Ferrol in mid-October. 

Participation in this Combat Group has been both a logistical and operational challenge for the frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ and its crew, but above all it has been an opportunity to demonstrate Spain's technological capacity and independence and the ability of our Armed Forces to project themselves to different geographical areas, together with the reaffirmation of our commitment to maritime security and global stability.