Offshore patrol 'Serviola' starts a maritime surveillance task in southern Spain

• The vessel will be integrated into the Maritime Operational Command within the framework of the standing operations of the Armed Forces between May 2^nd and 14^th

Offshore patrol vessel 'Serviola set off on May the 2^nd, from Ferrol to conduct surveillance and security tasks in maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest of the south of the peninsula within the standing operations of the Armed Forces.

It is the second time this year that the patrol boat is integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM), under operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS), to carry out these missions.

The vessel’s crew are 46 people: 7 officers, 10 NCOs and 29 sailors, commanded by lieutenant commander Joaquín Pita da Veiga Subirats. In addition, for this operation, a Security Operational Team (EOS in Spanish) made up of seven marines belonging to the Northern “Tercio”.

During this deployment, the ship is ready to carry out maritime interdiction operations (visit, search and, where appropriate, seize ships) and provide rescue and assistance at sea if required.

During this period, the ship is expected to call at the port of Motril (Granada) to raise awareness of Navy’s contribution in maritime security operations. Due to the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ship is not expected to receive visits.

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

MOM is part of the operational structure of the Armed Forces, reporting to the Chief of Defence Staff (JEMAD in Spanish), and it is responsible for planning, conducting and monitoring the surveillance and security operations throughout maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility and national interest. It is under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART), based in Cartagena (Murcia).

Standing operations

Standing operations are an effective tool to keep an eye on sovereign areas, allowing for early detection of threats and facilitating an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

The Land (MOT), Maritime (MOM) and Aerospace (MOA) Operational Commands and the recently developed Joint Cyberspace Command (MCCE) make up the Standing Commands structure. On a daily basis, there are around 3,000 servicemen involved in standing operations, under operational control of the Operations Command.

Offshore patrol vessel 'Serviola'

Offshore patrol 'Serviola' is the first one of four vessels built by NAVANTIA (former Bazán) in Ferrol shipyards. The ship was built in 1990 and commisioned to the Spanish Navy in October 1992. Its length is 68,65 m. and its beam is 10,40 m.

The warship is part of the Maritime Action Force with homeport in Ferrol.