The frigate ‘Blas de Lezo’ welcomed NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).

The frigate ‘Blas de Lezo’, flagship of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG-2), welcomed U.S. Air Force General Phillip Breedlove (SACEUR) accompanied by the Royal Navy Vice-admiral Peter Hudson, Commander Maritime Command at NATO Headquarters in Northwood.

The visit took place during the Sea Day as part of the ‘Brilliant Mariner 13’ exercise that NATO is carrying out in the Mediterranean. This exercise will serve, among other things, to certify RA Díaz del Río as Commander of a NATO Response Force (NRF).

SACEUR was welcomed by the ship’s commanding officer, Commander Fernando Álvarez Blanco. During the tour around the ship, General Breedlove had the chance to visit the different areas and meet with the SNMG-2 multinational Staff and other ship officers. He addressed the crew and later signed in the Guest Book.

SNMG-2’s Command briefed SACEUR and his entourage with a short description of their missions and the main characteristics of a NATO Immediate Reaction Force. General Breedlove departed after expressing thanks for how they were treated and congratulated the crew for the hard work of NATO’s Standing Groups.