Standing NATO Maritime Group Two has conducted an exercise series with the Spanish Navy including air defence and live fire drills.
The group currently consists of ESPS Cristobal Colon, TCG Gaziantep and FGS Werra.
NATO say that the exercise involved the Spanish Navy’s Navarra and La Grana as well as the Spanish 11th Squadron.
“During this second half of my Command main focus will be to keep the readiness of the Force at its maximum, participating in NATO and international exercises and to contribute showing NATO presence and cohesion between Allies and partners through both exercises at sea and diplomacy visits”, said SNMG2 Commander, Rear Admiral Manuel Aguirre of the Spanish Navy.
NATO add that SNMG2 will now resume its programme of activities in the Mediterranean, including participation in major multi-national maritime exercises, maritime security operations and support to Operation Sea Guardian as well as continued cooperation with Allied and partner navies.
The Group currently consists of ESPS Cristobal Colon, TCG Gaziantep and FGS Werra.
“SNMG2 is one of four standing forces that comprise the maritime component of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), which is part of the NATO Response Force (NRF). To respond to contingency situations, additional forces can be added to these groups, with the NATO command staff on board and the ships of the Group as the nucleus, capable of providing timely support to NATO operations.”
ESPS Cristobal Colon…what can one say?
Well One could say what a great name for a Ship, given the history.
What’s up Teacher ? you embarrassed ?????
Have you looked it up yet ? Blimey, what sort of Teacher are you ? Pissing myself tonight. Consider yourself in Detention mate …… DOH.
Nice to see a Harrier operator !
The USMC has the Harrier, Spain has the Harrier, Italy has the Harrier. What does the British do who invented, designed and built it scrap the Harrier. WHY?
To save money, and invest it back into the QE class and F35, and Typhoon development. both of which are in a different league to the Harrier.
Agree with you there…… Now lets see the 148 that we signed up to.
Because we could…….
Too bad the USN didn’t keep those Perry class frigates and scrap the LCS.
Yes. A bit long in the tooth design wise but with a basic stealth makeover may have been a better option. The upgraded Aussie versions were the best of them btw.
People give out about UK defence procurement, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the US one. The Little Crappy Ships have been a monumental waste of money for the USN.
Never really understood their concept. A vessel the size of a frigate but armed like a patrol boat. If the USN tried a bit harder with the modular concept, perhaps it could have served a better purpose for mine hunting etc.
In Isolation the LCS hasn’t been the Greatest Success – but Paired with the Zumwalt DDG’s you have Twice the Pain.
At least with the Zumwalts you could rip out the AGS, put more VLS launchers in and turn them into missile barges.
That’s if the Sea state isn’t to bad though……..
Indeed, but to be fair the Design has been Tested in a High Sea State with no Apparent Problems, the Captain even went as far to Praise it’s Stability.