The patrol boat “Atalaya” cooperates with the Ghana Armed Forces in Tema

·       The patrol boat has executed several joint training exercises with this African country´s Navy 

The patrol boat “Atalaya” has docked in Tema, Ghana, after a few days of patrolling in Gulf of Guinea waters due to security and surveillance tasks. The Ghana Port is part of the second African deployment phase, in which the Spanish Armed Forces ship is immersed since mid-August.

From 6th to 10th November, the ship has been docked in this African city, executing joint cooperation and training exercises with the Ghana Navy, as well as diplomatic activities in fulfilment of the Defence Diplomacy Plan.

Regarding ceremonial activities, in the afternoon of 7th November, the Admiral of Maritime Action visited the ship, and afterwards welcomed the Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, giving her honours. Then, the ship also offered a reception on board attended by the Spanish community with residence in the city and by members of the diplomatic corp.

Concerning support training activities, the “Atalaya” crew has worked together with the local Navy executing exercises focused on fighting fire areas, boarding operations and health services. For this purpose, conferences were held, and the main procedures followed by the Spanish Navy to improve the operational capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces were explained.

Moreover, taking advantage of the presence in Tema Port of different units participating in the “Grand African Nemo” manoeuvres, the “Atalaya” has had the chance of executing sea exercises with the French frigate “Germinal”. In the morning of 10^th November, the Spanish patrol boat and the French frigate have executed several exercises of simple evolution, as well as flight operations together with the organic helicopter “Alouette” from the French National Navy, which conducted several takings on board the Spanish ship.

After finishing its cooperation at sea, the “Atalaya” continues with its African Deployment, heading to its next stopover in Dakar, Senegal. During this voyage, the Spanish Navy ship will continue executing Maritime Surveillance and Security tasks in Gulf Guinea waters.

African Deployment in Gulf Guinea

The Armed Forces, under command of the Defence Staff, accomplishes this mission in order to show the activity and capacity of its ships as essential instruments for National Security, to defend our maritime interests in the area (fishing, maritime hydrocarbon traffic) and to contribute to conflict prevention in a particularly sensitive area.