BAM 'Relámpago' returns to its base after fulfilling the entrusted mission

• The ship has carried out a maritime surveillance patrol in the waters of the Canary Islands

Maritime action vessel 'Relámpago' has returned to Las Palmas after completing its maritime surveillance mission in the waters of the Canary Islands. The 'Relámpago' was integrated for this task into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

Within the activities related to the knowledge of the maritime environment, the BAM 'Relámpago' has carried out activities of verification and control of maritime traffic, supervision of fishing activity and protection of the maritime lines of communication of the Canary Islands.

The vessel set sail on March 21, having completed its mission docked at the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Arsenal, after having travelled 2,573 Nm. 

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

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) based in Cartagena.

Armed Forces’ Standing Operations

Standing Operations are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of sovereign spaces, enabling early threat detection and enabling an immediate and effective response to a potential crisis.

The traditional Land Operational Command (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Aerospace (MOA) and the recently established Cyberspace (MOC) make up the Standing Command structure. On a daily basis, about 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in permanent operations, under the operational control of the Operations Command.

BAM ‘Relampago’ (P43)

The Maritime Action Ship ‘Relampago’ is the third 'Meteoro' class vessel. Its home harbour is the Arsenal of Las Palmas (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). The ship was launched on October 6, 2010 and came into service on February 6 2012. It has served three times in Operation 'ATALANTA', in the Indian Ocean, in support of the World Food Programme and in several national and international exercises.

Maritime Action Ships (BAM) are designed to carry out maritime security missions, protection of national maritime interests and control of areas of sovereignty and national interest, as well as maritime police missions, in collaboration with State Security Forces and Corps at sea, such as operations against drug trafficking or terrorism. In addition to these, they also carry out missions of control and protection of maritime traffic; surveillance and control of fishing and fight against maritime pollution.