The Álvaro de Bazán-class Spanish navy frigate ESPS Méndez Núñez (F 104) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 14 to train and conduct group exercises as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12.
Méndez Núñez, homeported in Ferrol, Spain, was commissioned in 2006.
She joins CSG-12 assets Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron 2, and the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) to conduct Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is a training evolution designed to integrate all the assets of the strike group, test their ability to carry out maritime operations, and assess their deployability.
“In today's complex and dynamic maritime environment, we have to forge and employ strong partnerships to protect our mutual interests,” said CAPT Sean Anderson, Commodore, Destroyer Squadron Two. “Méndez Núñez joining ABESG (Abraham Lincoln Strike Group) is extremely exciting and brings significant and familiar capability as another AEGIS ship. We have been working with our Spanish partners for almost a year leading up to this COMPTUEX and cooperative deployment, and I can tell you, they are extremely professional and proficient. We will continue to learn from each other, which makes ABESG more formidable”
Conducting multinational naval exercises improve the warfighting capabilities and partnership between the two NATO countries. Spain and the United States are united by history and common values that underpin the partnership and work closely together on a range of global challenges, including promoting international cooperation, peace and security, and economic prosperity.
While in port in Norfolk, Sailors from CSG-12 and Sailors and Marines from Méndez Núñez will participate in a variety of events geared toward relationship-building and partnership, to include training with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Two, a wreath laying ceremony honoring fallen Spanish Sailors from the Spanish American War, and a welcome reception.
CSG-12 subordinate commands include Lincoln, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron 2: the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitcher (DDG 57), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).
The components of CSG-12 embody a “team-of-teams” concept, combining advanced surface, air, and systems assets to create and sustain operational capability. This enables them to conduct global operations, have effective and lasting command and control, and demonstrate dedication and commitment to becoming the strongest warfighting force for the Navy and the nation.