AOR ‘Patiño’ concludes her deployment in exercise ‘Formidable Shield 23’.

Last Wednesday May 25^th, the auxiliary oiler and replenishment ship ‘Patiño’ concluded its participation in the ‘Formidable Shield 23’ (FOSH-23) exercises. During these exercises, the ‘Patiño’ supplied more than 5,500,000 liters of marine diesel fuel to more than 10 ships, carrying out more than 20 replenishments at sea (RAS). It also provided JP5 fuel for aircraft, supplies and spare parts as well as medical support to several participating units.

This biennial exercise, now in its fifth edition, is considered the most important Air and Missile Defense exercise and its purpose is to assess the capabilities of the participating nations by demonstrating their interoperability against complex threats in realistic scenarios.

In this excellent opportunity to carry out advanced missile firing trainings, the ‘Patiño’ has permitted most allied ships to extend their stay at sea.

Following its participation in FOSH-23, the ‘Patiño’ is now extending her deployment in support of another NATO Operation called ‘Noble Shield’, until the end of June.

In addition, and taking advantage of the excellent logistic capability of the AOR ‘Patiño’ at sea, a cargo of supplies and spare parts was loaded from the Arsenal of Ferrol and delivered to the F-101 ‘Álvaro de Bazán’ by means of VERTREP maneuvers.

A large part of the exercise was carried out north of the Arctic Circle, testing systems and personnel in the most difficult conditions.