In a statement, the Navy states that the frigate D. Francisco de Almeida is participating in the multinational exercise Northern Viking (NV24), which will take place until 3 September, in Iceland and in the waters of the North Atlantic.

“This exercise, which began on 26 August, is organised by the United States of America and brings together forces from eight countries of the Atlantic Alliance, including Portugal, Iceland, the United States of America, Denmark, France, Norway, the Netherlands, and Poland, with the aim of reinforcing readiness and interoperability between the participating countries”, the statement reads.

The Portuguese Navy states that participation in NV24 demonstrates how NATO is committed to the security and stability of the North Atlantic region, “an area of ​​vital strategic importance for the maritime lines of communication between North America and Europe”.

“Through this exercise, allied countries train together to perfect tactics, techniques, and procedures, ensuring a rapid and effective response to any potential threat”, explained the Navy.

It also states that NV24 demonstrates the importance of strategic relations between NATO allies, “particularly in the context of operations in the North Atlantic, where continued cooperation is essential for the maintenance of global peace and security”.

It adds that the frigate D. Francisco de Almeida is commanded by Captain Santos Garcia, with 167 soldiers, including a boarding detachment from the Marine Corps, a team of sapper divers, and a team of Unmanned Aerial Systems operators, and that the ship is part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, and is participating in the Atlantic Alliance's Operation Brilliant Shield between July 29 and November 16, 2024.