The fleet replenishment ship ‘Cantabria’ concluded on July 29th her participation in the biannual multinational exercise ‘Talisman Saber 2013’ which commenced on July 15th.
Prior to her integration, ‘Cantabria’ had set sail on July 8th accompanied by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigates HMAS ‘Perth’ and HMAS ‘Ballarat’ to carry out a collective training in the Exercise Area in eastern Australia.
During the US led Australian supported exercise, ‘Cantabria’ collaborated with naval units from the RAN and the U.S. 7th Fleet, successfully carrying out 14 refueling operations. The total amount of fuel supplied was: 2,700,000 liters of ship’s fuel and 155,000 for aircraft.
Apart from the Spanish crew, an Australian contingent of military personnel embarked on ‘Cantabria’ during the maneuvers to get acquainted and train with the ship’s systems and equipment. As on previous occasions, they integrated wonderfully in the daily routine of the ship.
Upon her return to her home port in Garden Island on August 1st, the ‘Cantabria’ will commence her second scheduled maintenance period with training drills in port and a new crew relief.
[mappress] Press release, August 1, 2013; Image: Spanish Navy