The Portuguese Navy frigate D. Francisco de Almeida is participating in the multinational exercise Northern Viking 24 (NV24), which is taking place from August 26 to September 3 in Iceland and the waters of the North Atlantic.
The exercise, organized by the United States and bringing together forces from eight NATO countries, including Portugal, Iceland, the United States, Denmark, France, Norway, the Netherlands, and Poland, aims to “strengthen readiness and interoperability” among participants, according to a statement from the Navy.
“Participation in Northern Viking 24 is a demonstration of the Atlantic Alliance’s ongoing commitment to the security and stability of the North Atlantic region, an area of vital strategic importance for maritime communication lines between North America and Europe,” the statement added.
The Navy also pointed out that the mission allows allied countries to train “together to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures, ensuring a rapid and effective response to any potential threat.”
The Navy also noted that the NRP D. Francisco de Almeida is part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 and is participating in the Atlantic Alliance’s Operation Brilliant Shield between July 29 and November 16, 2024.
The crew of the NRP D. Francisco de Almeida, commanded by Commander Santos Garcia, consists of 167 military personnel, including 24 officers, 45 sergeants, and 98 enlisted personnel, including a Marine Corps boarding detachment, a team of clearance divers, and a team of Unmanned Aerial Systems operators.
