Spanish F100 class frigate ESPS Alvaro de Bazan (F101), the Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate HMS Iron Duke (F234) and the Spanish Fleet Replenishment Ship ESPS Cantabria (A15), vessels of the Standing NATO Maritime Group ONE (SNMG1), arrived in London, UK for a scheduled port visit.
Under the command of Spanish Rear Admiral Jose Delgado, SNMG1 vessels will participate in several NATO and nationally-led exercises at sea during their deployment to the North and Baltic Seas to enhance maritime security and to contribute to international stability.
In conjunction with the visit, Vice Admiral Clive Johnstone CB CBE, Commander Allied Maritime Command and Rear Admiral Delgado will participate in a round-table discussion at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), regarding the importance of NATO in the maritime domain.
Vice Admiral Clive Johnstone said: “The visit of SNMG1 to London is an important event at a trying time. Russian maritime activity, shrouded as it is with uncertain ambition and unclear motives, demands a steady yet determined response. The UK, along with other Nations of the NATO Alliance, rely on its Standing Naval Task Groups to be the agile response to reinforce security, international rules and the Law of the Sea.”
Rear Admiral Delgado assumed the command of the Group on December 18, 2015 in a ceremony held in Cartagena, Spain.
Rear Admiral Delgado commented: “The past days of intensive training have brought the Force to a smooth and effective integration. Our main goal is to deepen our capabilities, maintaining a high level of operational readiness and cohesion.”
[mappress mapid=”17648″]