Robles visits the frigate Reina Sofía in Rota and highlights her defence of NATO's southern flank

2022.6.8

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Between 13 June and 1 July, the frigate will take part in this operation, which focuses on maritime support in the Mediterranean for counter-terrorism, maritime environment awareness and contributing to building regional maritime security capabilities.

"This mission highlights Spain's commitment to NATO in something that is very important: maritime security and above all security in the Mediterranean," the minister said.

"In the very difficult context we are experiencing due to the war in Ukraine, Spain continues to make special mention of the fact that we cannot lose sight of the southern flank," added Robles, who assured that this will be one of the issues that Spain will raise at the next NATO Summit, to be held in Madrid on 29 and 30 June.

On her arrival at the Rota naval base, the minister was received by the Admiral in charge of the Cádiz arsenal, Vice Admiral Ricardo Atanasio Hernández, and the head of the base's military aerodrome, Captain Rafael Guerra, with whom she went to board the frigate Reina Sofía at dock number 1.

From the port hangar, the commander of the vessel, frigate captain Juan José Belizón, explained to the minister the background and current situation of the operation, and the capabilities, organisation and tasks entrusted to the unit for its deployment.

Representing the Air Control Command, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel José Antonio Soriano also explained the contribution of aerial resources, and a search and location drill was carried out with the help of "Bolt", a navy dog.

The minister then visited the ship's Combat Information Centre (CIC), from which all the unit's operational activity is directed, and the bridge, where the personnel, who are currently finalising preparations for their next departure to sea, explained to her what their day-to-day work on the mission is like.

"I know these are very dark days, but I wanted to thank you personally because it is good that what is done here in NATO and the work that Spain does is valued, and that security at sea is recognised to be thanks to the work of each and every one of you," said Robles in a speech to the crew, who conveyed their desire to set sail.

The minister "congratulated the entire crew on the magnificent work they are doing" and wished them "a lucky start to the mission they begin on Monday".

Spanish contribution

The frigate will be manned by 170 troops: a small staff made up of personnel from the 41st Escort Squadron, an operational security team of Marines and an embarked Cynological Unit, the latter two units from the Tercio de Levante.

Spain contributes to the 'Sea Guardian' operation with the following units: an average of four sorties per month by a maritime patrol aircraft; a submarine in two 45-day periods (one per period); an offshore patrol vessel ready to go to sea within 48 hours of request; and a command ship with an embarked staff available to lead an operation, a mission that in this case is the responsibility of the frigate Reina Sofía.

Frigates are also generically referred to as "escort vessels" because protection is their main mission, but the great versatility of these F-80 series vessels allows them to operate in a wide range of other missions.

During the almost 30 years since its launch, the frigate Reina Sofia has sailed more than 500,000 miles, equivalent to more than one round-the-world trip per year. Based in Rota, it has visited all the main ports in Spain and countless others in Europe, Africa, Asia and America.

The frigate has been regularly integrated into NATO's Standing Naval Forces in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, both in the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR) and the European Union's counter-piracy operation in the Indian Ocean (EUNAVFOR).

Non official translation

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