Spanish frigate 'Méndez Nuñez' integrates into the US strike group deployed to the Mediterranean to provide support to Israel

Sources from Spain's Ministry of Defense deny any connection to the Israeli conflict, framing the recent activities as part of routine measures to 'enhance joint capabilities' of the US Navy within the 'Noble Shield' operation.

On October 9th, the Pentagon directed the Carrier Strike Group of the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Eastern Mediterranean to assist Israel in its offensive against Hamas. This deployment comprised the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) of the Ticonderoga class, alongside guided-missile destroyers of the Arleigh-Burke class, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80). Notably, the latter destroyer was among the four vessels stationed at the Rota military base.

Spain's Chief of Defense (EMAD) confirmed that the frigate 'Méndez Núñez' is conducting training activities with the US Navy Strike Group in the Eastern Mediterranean. EMAD emphasized that this integration "has nothing to do with Israel" and aims to 'implement joint procedures to increase interoperability and enhance combined capabilities.'

Specifically, the frigate 'Méndez Núñez' participated in an anti-aircraft defense exercise alongside the Group's vessels and F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft of the US Navy. Moreover, personnel exchanges were conducted with the USS 'Normandy'. Flight operations were carried out to acquaint both crews and pilots with helicopters and respective naval platforms.

An SH60B helicopter from the frigate 'Méndez Núñez' landed on the American aircraft carrier, while an MH60R helicopter interacted with the frigate 'Méndez Núñez'.