The 'Relámpago' (P-43) provides assistance to national vessels in the Gulf of Guinea

• The vessel has escorted an oil tanker with a Spanish crew and has visited several fishing vessels as part of its maritime security work

The maritime action vessel 'Relámpago' has been deployed in the Gulf of Guinea since 7 September, carrying out maritime security tasks in the area, as part of the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS). As part of its functions to increase stability in the area of operations, the 'Relámpago' makes visits to ships linked to Spain, either because they fly the Spanish flag or because they have Spanish crews.

In recent days, the Navy vessel has assisted an oil tanker with a Spanish crew, providing escort during its transit to its refuelling area, contributing to maritime security in the region and protecting national interests.

It has also visited various national flagged fishing vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea, strengthening Spain's presence in the area, exchanging information of interest on maritime security and reinforcing support for the Spanish fishing community operating off the coast of West Africa.

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

The MOM is the organisation of the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence Staff (CHOD), responsible for planning, conducting and monitoring surveillance and security operations in maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility and national interest. It is under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART) and is based in Cartagena. The Land Operational Commands (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Aerospace (MOA) and the recently created Cyberspace (MOC) make up the Permanent Command structure. On a daily basis, some 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in permanent operations.

About the BAM 'Relámpago' (P-43)

The maritime action ship 'Relámpago' departed from its base in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on 28 August to join the Coordinated Maritime Presence deployment off the coasts of West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. After completing its transit to the area of operations on 7 September, it began maritime surveillance work, cooperating with the navies of the coastal countries and contributing to reinforcing Spain's presence for the benefit of national interests in the region.