The patrol vessel 'Centinela' returns to Ferrol after taking part in a maritime security operation

• The Navy vessel has carried out a maritime surveillance patrol in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar

The offshore patrol vessel 'Centinela' (P-72) has returned to the Ferrol Arsenal, its home port, after carrying out a maritime security operation in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar. For this mission, the ship was integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS). The patrol vessel's activity took place in the waters to the south of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Mediterranean Sea, and in the islands of North Africa. The objective was to carry out maritime surveillance and naval presence in areas of interest to the Spanish state.

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.

El patrullero 'Centinela'

The 'Centinela', with side number P-72, is the second patrol vessel of the 'Serviola' class and is based in Ferrol (La Coruña).

The ship was built at the Navantia shipyard in Ferrol and delivered to the Navy in September 1991.

Its main mission at present is to carry out surveillance and security operations in the maritime environment in areas under national sovereignty. It also collaborates with and supports other public bodies in the control of maritime traffic, fishing surveillance and the search and rescue of shipwrecked persons.

The patrol boat 'Centinela', commanded by Lieutenant Commander Alejandro Álvarez Brasa, has a crew of 48.