Frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’ returns home after her integration in NATO’s Standing Maritime Group No. 2

Last December 15, the frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’ (F-105) returned to her home base in Ferrol (NW Spain) after her three and a half-month integration into NATO’s Standing Maritime Group Number 2 (SNMG-2). The welcoming ceremony was presided over by the Commander of the 31^st Surface Squadron, Captain Jesus Viñas.

The SNMG-2 is a permanent Allied naval group that regularly operates in Mediterranean waters as part of NATO’s Maritime Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF-M) within the framework of operation ‘Noble Shield’ as part of Europe’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

With this deployment, Spain in general –and the Armada in particular– underline their commitment and solidarity with the rest of NATO’s member states, supporting the deterrence and collective defense at sea and from the sea.

The ‘Cristóbal Colón’, under command of Cdr. Juan Carlos Prada, and with a crew of 230 men and women, is the fifth AEGIS equipped ‘Alvaro de Bazán’-class frigate that form the 31^st Surface Squadron.