Patrol boat 'Infanta Elena' takes part in the Surveillance and Deterrence Standing Operations

• The Navy ship will carry out a maritime surveillance patrol in Mediterranean waters, the Strait of Gibraltar and North Africa 

Patrol boat 'Infanta Elena', based in Cartagena, starts its activity in surveillance and deterrence standing operations. She will be operational in this activity until July 31 and will carry out maritime surveillance and security tasks in the Mediterranean, the Alboran Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar and the territorial waters of Ceuta and Melilla.

During this navigation the 'Infanta Elena' will be join the Maritime Operations Command (MOM), under operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

Its main mission includes conducting maritime surveillance and security operations in areas of national sovereignty. It also contributes to the action of the State at sea and protects national maritime interests in Spanish waters and in the Exclusive Economic Zone. It also collaborates with other bodies of the Administration that have competences in the maritime field.

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. Daily, about 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in permanent operations, under the operational control of the Operations Command.

About patrol boat 'Infanta Elena'

The offshore patrol boat 'Infanta Elena' is the third ship of the 'Descubierta' class. Built by Empresa Nacional Bazán in November 1976. In January 2004 it was converted to its current configuration as an offshore patrol vessel. 'Infanta Elena' (P-76).

Based in Cartagena, its main tasks are maritime security, the fight against maritime pollution, the detection and monitoring of possible illegal immigration activities and collaboration with the State Security Forces and Bodies in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.

The ship's commander is Lieutenant Commander Narciso Donoso Alonso and the crew for this navigation is 80 people, including a Safety Operational Team made up from the Marine Corps of the Madrid Group (AGRUMAD in Spanish).