The OPV(Maritime Action Vessel in Spanish) 'Rayo' completes its deployment as part of the Coordinated Maritime Presence in the Gulf of Guinea

• The Navy vessel concludes its mission after travelling more than 12,000 miles and strengthening Spain's cooperation with West African countries

Today, after 106 days of sailing away from base, the Maritime Action Vessel (BAM) 'Rayo' has concluded its mission in the Gulf of Guinea with its docking at the Las Palmas Arsenal.

During this period, more than 12,000 nautical miles travelled and more than 700 surface contacts investigated are examples of the intensity of the effort made and the firm commitment of its entire crew, led by its commander, Captain José Antonio Parejo.

The mission, carried out within the framework of the European Union's Coordinated Maritime Presence in the Gulf of Guinea (CMP-GoG), has strengthened maritime surveillance, international cooperation and Spain's presence in the Gulf of Guinea, a key area for global trade but also an area exposed to threats such as piracy, illicit trafficking and illegal fishing.

In this context, Coordinated Maritime Presences are an essential instrument of the European Union, designed to improve maritime situational awareness, strengthen collaboration with coastal countries and promote greater regional stability.

During its deployment, the Rayo has made operational and institutional stops in Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Gabon, Angola, Senegal and Cape Verde, where it has carried out an extensive programme of activities aimed at strengthening cooperation ties with the armed forces and maritime authorities of each country. These activities have enabled the training of more than 340 military personnel in visit and search procedures, anti-piracy operations, access control techniques, firefighting, the use of C-UAS resources, diving manoeuvres, first aid and medical evacuation simulations at sea.

The deployment has also strengthened Spain's bilateral relations with the countries of the Gulf of Guinea, thanks to close collaboration with Spanish diplomatic representatives. During the various stopovers, the ship welcomed on board the ambassadors of the Kingdom of Spain accredited to each country, paid courtesy visits to local civil and military authorities, and held institutional events that highlighted Spain's commitment to the stability, development and security of the region.

The mission also included humanitarian and social actions, notably the delivery of aid supplies in Cameroon and Senegal to centres and associations working with children with disabilities or in particularly vulnerable situations, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid supplies in Mindelo following the effects of Tropical Storm Erin. These actions have helped to reinforce Spain's presence as a partner committed to human development and solidarity cooperation.

The end of the mission marks the ship's return to its home port after successfully completing all its assigned objectives and reaffirming our country's commitment to the protection of maritime areas, international stability and cooperation with its partners in the Gulf of Guinea.

After completing the mission, and on behalf of all the sailors on the Rayo, Captain Parejo emphasised that "the professionalism, dedication and spirit of service of the crew have been essential to the success of the mission. We return proud of the work we have done and confident that we have contributed to international maritime security and Spain's strategic interests in the region. My recognition and gratitude go to the entire crew for their impeccable work. Thanks also to all the families who welcomed us back to port today and whose constant support from home has been an essential pillar in enabling this ship to successfully carry out its tasks."

The deployment of the BAM Rayo has once again demonstrated the value of the Navy in carrying out maritime cooperation and security missions, as well as Spain's ability to act as a reliable ally and strategic partner in West Africa.

European Union Coordinated Maritime Presence (CMP)

The deployment of the BAM Rayo contributes to strengthening the European Union's Coordinated Maritime Presence (CMP) initiative on the West African coast and in the Gulf of Guinea as an effective tool for improving maritime security in the area and advancing cooperation between the EU and the states of West and Central Africa. Since 2012, Spain, as a partner fully committed to European security and defence, has been one of the main contributors to this European initiative.