Spanish frigate to lead Mediterranean operation Sea Guardian

Spanish Navy frigate ESPS Navarra will be leading a three-ship NATO group during the Mediterranean Sea operation Sea Guardian, the Spanish defense ministry announced.

In addition to the Spanish Santa Maria-class frigate, the group will include Belgian frigate BNS Louise Marie and an Italian Navy ship.

The three ships are set to meet up in the Port of Cartagena during a port visit which will take place between February 9 and 13. After they get underway, the ships will spend some three weeks conducting focused security patrols in the Mediterranean Sea.

Operation Sea Guardian in general focuses on maritime situational awareness, counter-terrorism and regional capacity building.

ESPS Navarra (F-85) is the fifth unit of the six Santa María-class frigates built in Ferrol and delivered to the Spanish Navy in 1993. She has a complement of 200 people and is equipped with the necessary sensors and weapons to operate as a blue water escort.