Frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’ (F-105) to integrate into NATO’s immediate reaction force.

F-100 frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’ left Ferrol (NW Spain) last August 25th headed for the Mediterranean Sea to integrate into the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2).

NATO’s standing groups are rapid reaction forces with ample capabilities and high levels of readiness and training. The ‘Cristóbal Colón’ will participate in high intensity multinational exercises. Initially, the F-105 will take part in Exercise ‘Sea Guardian’ in the Central Mediterranean, subsequently proceeding to the North Atlantic for further training and visibility drills.

With this deployment, Spain underlines its commitment with the Atlantic Alliance. The ship will also visit several Mediterranean and Atlantic ports.

The ‘Cristóbal Colón’ has a complement of nearly 200 people. For this mission, the ship has embarked an SH-60B helicopter and a Marine Corps operational security team.