The frigate Méndez Núñez carries out cooperation and outreach activities in Singapore

• During their stopover at the Changi naval base, the crew held meetings with civil and military authorities, as well as receiving a visit from the Spanish community residing in the region

The frigate Méndez Núñez (F-104) has called at the Changi naval base in Singapore during its return journey to Spain after participating in the Highmast deployment.

The Méndez Núñez was welcomed by a delegation of Singaporean military authorities and by the Spanish ambassador to Singapore, Mercedes Alonso Frayle. After rendering the traditional Spanish Navy honour salute, (`saludo a la voz´), embassy staff and Singaporean authorities had the opportunity to visit the frigate to learn about her capabilities first-hand.

The crew explained their experiences during the voyage in recent months. Afterwards, an official reception was given on board, attended by local authorities and members of the Spanish community residing in the country.

The stopover also included various cooperation and outreach activities. The ship offered an open day to the Spanish community in Singapore, who were able to visit the frigate's facilities and learn about life on board a Navy vessel. Technical meetings were conducted with local military authorities, a cross-visit between the crews of the frigates Supreme and Méndez Núñez took place, and finally, a visit to the Singapore Navy Museum was organised.

A farewell took place on the last day of the stopover, which included a mass officiated by the ship's chaplain and a colours ceremony.

After setting sail, on its passage through the Strait of Malacca towards Malaysia, the Méndez Núñez jointly exercised with the Singapore Navy's coastal patrol vessel “Sovereignty”.

For the commander of the Spanish ship, Commander Jaime Muñoz-Delgado Pérez, "this visit has served to fly the Spanish flag and strengthen cooperation with a key country in the Indo-Pacific region. As on previous ports of call, we have been warmly welcomed by the local population and also by the Spaniards living here, who have been able to visit the ship and learn about the tasks of the Navy and life on board a modern frigate."

The presence of a Navy unit in Singapore highlights Spain's commitment to international maritime security and projects the image of the Armed Forces as an instrument of stability, defence diplomacy, and cooperation in regions of particular strategic interest.

Now, after four months of deployment, the Méndez Núñez continues her journey to Spain, with arrival at her home port in Ferrol scheduled for mid-October.