The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ (F-104) carries out cooperation and defence diplomacy activities in Thailand

• During its stopover at the Port of Laem Chabang, the ship and its crew have strengthened bilateral relations

The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ (F-104) has docked at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, during its return journey to Spain, where it has carried out cooperation and defence diplomacy activities.

Upon arrival, it was received by the Ambassador of Spain to Thailand, Felipe de la Morena Casado, as well as by a delegation of Thai military authorities. After welcoming and greeting the ambassador, Commander Jaime Muñoz-Delgado Pérez, commander of the frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’, accompanied the civil and military authorities during their visit to the Spanish frigate, where they had the opportunity to discover its facilities and operational capabilities.

This official act was followed by a reception on board, which was presided over by the ambassador and attended by diplomatic representatives, members of the Spanish community, local authorities and representatives of other friendly navies. Of great significance was the participation of Thai officers who, years ago, received their military training at the Naval Military School in Marín, Spain, which is a symbol of the historical ties and close collaboration between the two navies.

During this four-day stopover, various cooperation activities were developed. Among the most important ones, we could highlight that the frigate received a visit from the Royal Thai Naval Academy students and hosted technical meetings attended by Thai military authorities, which served as a demonstration of the frigate’s capabilities. Paralelly, the frigate’s crew visited the Royal Thai Naval training centre, where the Spanish marines were able to see first-hand the latest advances in naval simulation and training developed in this Asian country.

Finally, the frigate ‘Mendez Nuñez’ left Thailand and, once at sea, conducted exercises with the Royal Thai Navy’s HTMS Rattanakosin-class corvette. This training activity consisted mainly of visual communications and manoeuvring of the ships in formations which, in the words of Commander Muñoz-Delgado, ‘provided a new opportunity to foster and strengthen relations with the Royal Thai Navy, with which we have a long-standing friendship. These four days in Thailand have been very intense, and always immersed in an atmosphere of great camaraderie and fraternity. Both in diplomatic and operational terms, the outcomes have been highly positive.’

Next stopover: Singapore

The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ is now sailing to Spain, via Singapore, where it is scheduled to call tomorrow, 26th August. After four months of sailing as part of Operation Highmast, on 10th August it concluded its integration into the combat group of the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (R09), from the Carrier Strike Group 25, with its arrival at its base in Ferrol planned for mid-October.

Without a doubt, the presence of this Spanish ship in the Indo-Pacific region has marked a historic milestone for the Spanish Navy. Furthermore, it represents a clear demonstration of Spain’s commitment to international maritime security, while contributing to the public image of the Spanish Armed Forces as an instrument of stability, defence diplomacy and cooperation in regions of special strategic interest.