purpose of the mission

The Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2) is a permanent task group comprising several naval and air units made available to the Alliance by different Statemembers.

Since last June, and until June 2021, the command of the group is being held by Spanish Rear Admiral Manuel Aguirre on board the F-100 frigate ‘CristóbalColón’ along with his Staff.

SNMG-2’s role is to provide NATO with an immediate operational response capability innaval scenarios. The Spanish Navy has maintained a continuous presence in thesegroups for more than thirty years.

During her integration, the ‘Cristóbal Colón’ (F-105) will contribute to theoperations and exercises providing a high air defense and detection capability thanks to her AEGIS combat system and the SPY-1D (V) multifunction radar.

The ship’s crew consists of 240 men and women including a Marine Corps securitysquad, an SH-60B helicopter with its support personnel and the Flag Officer’sStaff.

The ship's commanding officer is Commander Juan Bautista Payá Martínez.