Spanish Navy’s replenishment oiler ESPS Cantabria has concluded its 71-day deployment to NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 and is now returning home.
The ship is expected to arrive in the Spanish city of Ferrol on December 15.
ESPS Cantabria has sailed more than 15,000 nautical miles, supplied more than 6 million liters of fuel, food and spare parts, and provided logistical support to more than 20 ships from NATO and friendly nations.
Joined by Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown and a Danish frigate HDMS Absalon, Cantabria sailed in five seas, took part in the UK-hosted drill Joint Warrior, escorted the Russian aircraft carrier through the Mediterranean and joined the Turkish anti-submarine drill Mavi Balina.
Cantabria also participated in a search operation in the Alboran Sea, where the ship and its helicopter collaborated with the Spanish Maritime Safety Agency (SASEMAR).
The ships commander and a crew of 175 sailors made port calls in Glasgow, Scotland, Den Helder, Netherlands, Aksaz, Turkey and Heraklion, Greece.