Mediterranean: U.S., NATO Conduct Interceptor Missile Exercise

North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
July 1, 2013

DEFENCE TRAINING IN THE MED FOR NATO AND A U.S. DESTROYER

The Spanish AEGIS frigate BLAS DE LEZO (F-103), flag ship of COMSNMG-2 Rear Admiral Eugenio Díaz del Rio, will soon participate in an air defence and ballistic missile defence (BMD) exercise with the US Navy destroyer USS Mahan (DDG-72) in Mediterranean waters.

Both ships share the AEGIS combat system. The synergy provided by the two ships operating together will provide both a strong BMD and air defence capabilities. The routine integration of Spanish Naval forces into NATO Standing Groups demonstrates the value of interoperability between NATO member nations.

Currently, Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) is participating in Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR, NATO’s counter-terrorism operation. In addition to its Mediterranean operations, the Group will take part in different multinational exercises with Bulgaria and the Ukraine during the deployment.

On Thursday, 27 June 2013, the USS Mahan and ESPS Blas de Lezo joined for a coordination meeting on board the Spanish ship to prepare for the exercise.

Background Information

SNMG2 is one of NATO’s for Standing Maritime Groups. It is currently composed of the following units:

– ESPS Blas de Lezo (flagship, Italy)
– TCG Salihreis (Turkey)