F-100 frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ arrives at Norfolk Naval Base.

Frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ (F-104) has just arrived at the US Navy Naval Base of Norfolk (VA) after an 11-day voyage from Ferrol (NW Spain). During the transit to USA the frigate conducted a series of training drills to enhance her readiness before integrating into the USS ‘Abraham Lincoln’ Carrier Group.

The first stage of the deployment includes some certification exercises and a C2X advanced training during the months of January and February intended to effectively integrate all naval units of the carrier group. Once completed, the ‘Méndez Núñez’ will return to her home port in Ferrol.

In April, as part of the second stage of the deployment, the Spanish frigate will deploy once again to integrate into the US Carrier Group. She is expected to arrive in November 2019 after having circumnavigated the globe.

With the objective of improving the mutual training of both navies and a better knowledge between both nations, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in August between the Spanish Ministry of Defense and the US Navy for the integration of the frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ (F-104) into the ‘Abraham Lincoln’ Carrier Strike Group-12 made up of only US warships. This is the fourth time an integration of these characteristics has been arranged.