Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Pierce Luck | NORFOLK, Va. (June 29, 2026) Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, and...... read more read more
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NORFOLK, Va. – A powerful display of alliance capability and commitment concluded off the U.S. East Coast as U.S. Navy and NATO forces completed Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250, a premier maritime exercise designed to strengthen transatlantic security and interoperability.
The at-sea portion of the exercise, which ran from June 22 to June 29, involved a complex command-and-control structure that seamlessly integrated multinational forces, including numerous NATO forces, under U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F). A key highlight of the exercise was the leadership role of the Spanish Navy, which commanded a major task force responsible for security in the Atlantic.
“FLEETEX 250 is a powerful demonstration of the Alliance’s enduring commitment to the North Atlantic," said Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet and NATO’s Joint Forces Command – Norfolk (JFCNF). "When our allies lead major combat-credible task forces, it sends a clear message of unity and capability. Spain's command of the Atlantic task force, coupled with the seamless integration of forces from across the Alliance, proves that our collective strength is our greatest asset in ensuring a safe, stable, and secure Atlantic.”
The exercise was divided into two primary task forces simulating a robust response to a complex security scenario. One task force was led by the U.S. Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group 2 (ESG-2) and the second was led by a Spanish Expeditionary Strike Group, centered on the Spanish Navy’s flagship, the LHD Juan Carlos I.
CTF-ATL is responsible for leading the alliance’s high-end maritime operations across the Atlantic Ocean and works in collaboration with CTF-North, its U.S.-led counterpart. FLEETEX 250 served as an excellent opportunity for tactical units supporting both CTFs to operate collaboratively before activations later this year.
"To lead is an honor; to lead an Alliance force is a profound responsibility," said Vice Adm. Juan Bautista Perez Puig, Spanish commander of Task Force-Atlantic. "Our sailors have proven their readiness and professionalism, operating side-by-side with our American and NATO counterparts. This exercise reaffirms that the security of the Atlantic is a shared duty, and Spain is proud to be a leader in upholding that commitment."
For this occasion, and as part of the current deployment on its return to Europe from the U.S. East Coast, in addition to SPMARFOR aboard the command ship “Castilla,” Spain will make the Strategic Projection Vessel “Juan Carlos I” available to the Alliance, with the Commander of the Fleet Projection Group, the Deputy Commander of the Tercio Armada, and the Landing Force on board; the frigate “Blas de Lezo,” with the Commander of the 31st Surface Squadron on board; the frigate “Reina Sofía”; and the combat supply ship (BAC) “Patiño.”
Also integrated into the exercise was Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG-1), one of NATO’s standing naval forces on continuous active duty. Under the Command of Royal Navy Commodore Maryla Ingham, aboard the German flagship FGSSachsen, the multinational group includes ships from Germany, Norway, Turkey and the Netherlands.
"Our strength lies in our interoperability—our ability to communicate, manoeuvre , and fight as one," said Commodore Ingham. "FLEETEX 250 challenged every aspect of our maritime skill, and the sailors of SNMG1 performed magnificently. We are more than allies; we are a single, integrated team."
As the operational fleet for U.S. Northern Command, U.S. 2nd Fleet’s role in the exercise highlights the critical link between the United States and the NATO Alliance for the defence of North America and the vital sea lanes of the Atlantic.
With the exercise complete, many of the participating ships, including those from SNMG-1, are sailing for New York City to take part in the International Naval Review (INR) 250. This historic event, part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations, will bring together maritime partners from around the world in a global salute to sea power and partnership. Later in July, NATO will activate CTF-ATL to command numerous allied vessels as these units make their return journey across the Atlantic. In August, NATO will activate CTF-North under ESG-2 leadership for support Exercise NORTHERN VIKING.
| Date Taken: | 07.07.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2026 09:39 |
| Story ID: | 569278 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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