The AOR ‘Cantabria’ participates in exercise ‘Dynamic Guard II’ in the Gulf of Cadiz

The auxiliary oiler and replenishment ship ‘Cantabria’ (A-15) is going to participate in the multinational exercises ‘Dynamic Guard II’ in the Gulf of Cadiz along with the Spanish Navy FFG frigate ‘Canarias’, the F-100 ‘Álvaro de Bazán’, and other units from the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG-2).

The A-15 has just concluded her deployment with the SNMG-2 in the Mediterranean participating in operation ‘Active Endeavor’ (OAE). The ‘Cantabria’ has conducted more than 40 replenishments at sea (RAS) apart from other tasks entrusted by the command. Her versatility has been acknowledged by the SNMG-2’s Flag Officer congratulating the ship’s complement for the first boarding carried out by OAE in years. In fact the ‘Cantabria’ has operated like a ‘frigate’ with replenishment capability.

‘Dynamic Guard II’ is an electronic warfare exercise focused on training activities and the interoperability of all participating units. To this end, the ‘Cantabria’ has embarked a TRACSVAN (Transportable Radar and Communications Jamming and Simulation Van) equipment on her flight deck. The van came from the United Kingdom and is manned by NATO personnel.

During this coming week, the ‘Cantabria’ will also embark an Australian journalist who will write and inform on the ship’s capabilities. This Spanish Navy oiler deployed with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 2013. One of the scheduled activities is a RAS manoeuver with the LHD ‘Juan Carlos I’, sister ship of RAN’s HMAS ‘Canberra’ and HMAS ‘Adelaide’.