The AOR ‘Patiño’ and the frigate ‘Canarias’ set sail from Rota to participate in operation ‘Active Endeavour’

The fleet replenishment oiler ‘Patiño’ and the frigate ‘Canarias’ set sail from Rota Naval Base to participate in NATO’s counter-terrorist operation ‘Active Endeavour’ (OAE) during the month of February.

The Spanish warships will integrate into SNMG-2 along with the frigates ‘Fredericton’ (Canada) and ‘Tugurtreis’ (Turkey), and the U.S. Navy cruiser ‘Vicksburg’.

Apart from their own complements, the Spanish units have embarked a Marine Corps security squad, a helicopter from the Aircraft Flotilla with its crew and a medical doctor.

Operation ‘Active Endeavour’ is the only NATO operation conducted under the aegis of its Article 5. It commenced in 2001 and is the Alliance’s contribution to the global fight against terrorism in the Mediterranean Sea. Spain regularly contributes to this effort with naval units, land facilities and civilian assets to monitor shipping in support of the different activities to counter international terrorism.