The Spanish navy’s auxiliary oiler and replenishment ship ESPS Cantabria (A-15), got underway from Ferrol, Spain, to join operation Sophia – European Union’s migrant mission in the Mediterranean Sea.
Operation Sophia started on June 22, 2015 to provide a response to the migratory crisis in the central Mediterranean Sea. Up to 25 nations have taken part in this mission with naval, land and air assets.
AOR Cantabria will operate along with other units from Italy, Germany, the UK and France.
The ship previously served as part of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2, returning home in December 2016
For this mission, the Cantabria will operate as flagship of the operation under command of Spanish Rear-admiral Javier Moreno. The ship is scheduled to return home by mid-December.