The veteran vessel will undergo a comprehensive inspection of its underwater hull and repair an incident on its hull. These works, expected to last approximately 20 days, are crucial after its recent mission in extreme latitudes.
During a NATO exercise, named Dynamic Mariner-Joint Warrior 26, the F-80 frigate demonstrated its operational capability in one of the most challenging maritime training scenarios on the allied calendar. Navigation through Arctic waters required specific technical preparation to ensure the functioning of its systems in extreme cold conditions, validating the crew's ability to operate safely and effectively in harsh environmental conditions.
“"The deployment of the Santa María in the far north of Europe constituted a tangible demonstration of the expeditionary capability of the Navy's escorts, under meteorological, geographical, and logistical conditions that demand maximum performance from platforms and crews."
The 'Santa María' will not be the only Navy vessel to visit the Cádiz shipyard this year. The frigate 'Reina Sofía' is expected to arrive in August, followed by the 'Canarias' from September, which will undergo its scheduled immobilization dry-docking, a maintenance procedure every vessel must complete every six years. The amphibious assault ship 'Galicia' is also expected to arrive for similar inspections and repairs, with an estimated duration of two months for these latter vessels.
