The offshore patrol vessel 'Infanta Cristina' begins a maritime surveillance mission

• The Navy ship will carry out one of the permanent missions of the Armed Forces in the Strait of Gibraltar

The offshore patrol vessel 'Infanta Cristina' has set sail, integrated in the Maritime Operational Command (MOM), to carry out surveillance and security of the maritime areas of national sovereignty in the south of the peninsula, within the permanent operations of the Armed Forces.

The ship is scheduled to call from September 8 to 10 at the port of Algeciras, where it will hold an open day on September 9 from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 hours.

The ship sets sail with a crew of 82 people plus 7 marines from the Security Operational Team (EOS) belonging to the Tercio de Levante.

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

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.