Royal Navy thanks crew of Spanish frigate as Spain proves military credentials

THE Royal Navy has praised the crew of Spanish frigate Mendez Nuñez following the completion of a four-month joint operation with the UK’s Carrier Strike Group.

Commodore Blackmore visited the Spanish vessel at sea to personally thank the crew for their ‘outstanding participation’ as the frigate concluded its mission with the British-led combat group, commanded by HMS Prince of Wales.

Blackmore thanked the crew and captain of the Spanish ship Mendes Nunez on behalf of the Royal Navy. 

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It was a great privilege to sail together and work on Operation Highmast. We part as trusted friends. “I wish you good winds and following waters until we meet again.”

The joint operations highlight the growing defence relationship between Britain & Spain, despite diplomatic tensions between Spain and the USA.

All three nations work closely together within NATO and other international security frameworks. Recently, Spanish Hornet fighter planes escorted US B1 bombers above Norway.

The Mendez Nuñez, which had been operating under British command since April, has now returned to Spanish direction and is heading back to its home port of Ferrol, where it is expected to arrive in October after more than six months in international waters.

During this deployment, the Spanish Frigate made history by becoming the first vessel in the Spanish Navy’s 130-year history to reach Japan.