Álvaro de Bazán is the lead ship of the of air defence frigates entering service with the Spanish Navy. She is named after Admiral Álvaro de Bazán. Operational history In late 2005, Álvaro de Bazán was deployed as part of the aircraft carrier battle group in the Persian Gulf. This was the first deployment of a Spanish warship as part of an American naval battle group. In early March 2007, Álvaro de Bazán became the first Spanish warship to visit Australia in 150 years. The deployment included several port visits, and was performed to support Navantia's bid to design the for the Royal Australian Navy. The ship was also visiting Australia as part of the first circumnavigation of the globe by a Spanish warship in 142 years. References External links BUQUESDEGUERRA.TK, a Spanish website about warships (Spanish) Frigates Frigates of the Spanish Navy Ships built in Ferrol, Spain 2002 ships