Offshore patrol boat 'Infanta Cristina' starts its participation in the Standing Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

• The Navy vessel will conduct a maritime surveillance patrol in the waters of the Strait

The offshore patrol boat 'Infanta Cristina', based in Cartagena, set sail to carry out surveillance and security tasks of the maritime spaces of national sovereignty in the south of the peninsula, within the Armed Forces’ standing operations.

During navigation, the 'Infanta Cristina' will be integrated into the Maritime Operations Command (MOM in Spanish), under operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS in Spanish).

Ship’s personnel includes a crew of 74 and 7 marines from the Security Operational Team (EOS in Spanish) belonging to the Tercio de Levante.

Its current key mission is to carry out maritime surveillance and security operations in areas of national sovereignty. In addition, it collaborates and supports other public organizations in the control of maritime traffic, fishing surveillance and in the search and rescue of shipwrecked people.

Maritime Operational Command MOM

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is the body within the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinated to the Chief of Defence Staff, 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 for 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.

Offshore patrol vessel 'Infanta Cristina'

Built as the fourth corvette belonging to the ‘Descubierta’ class by Bazán Shipyards in Cartagena, it was commissioned to the Spanish Navy on 24 November 1980, and the National Flag was hoisted on board for the first time by H.R.H. Doña Cristina.

Between September 2004 and June 2005 it was upgraded to offshore patrol  (P-77) and its home port is in Cartagena.