The Maritime Operational Command neutralises a projectile in Cala Montjuic

• An explosives deactivation team belonging to the Mine Countermeasures Divers Unit handled it

On September the 13th, the Girona “Guardia Civil” reported to the Maritime Action Operations and Surveillance Centre (COVAM in Spanish) the discovery of a potential rising mine in Cala Monjuit, in the town of Rosas. An explosives deactivation team (EDE in Spanish) made up of five members, belonging to the Mine Countermeasures Divers Unit (UBMCM in Spanish), belonging to the Mine Countermeasures Force, based in Cartagena. These units are part of the Maritime Operational Command, under the operational control of the Operations Command, for Standing Surveillance and Deterrence Operations.

On Thursday the 15th in the morning,  the presence of a German rising mine, called GV EMD II carrying 150 kilograms of explosive, was confirmed. During the day, the mine was neutralised with an explosive charge avoiding the main charge detonating. All the recovered material was delivered to the “Guardia Civil” Explosive Devices Deactivation Specialist Technical Service (TEDAX in Spanish) for destruction. Thus, it was possible to get rid of the hazard with the minimum impact on the marine flora and fauna of the area.

To carry out this operation, the Rosas’ Naval Assistant coordinated and requested collaboration for the EDE activity with the Maritime Service, the Special Group for Underwater Activities (GEAS in Spanish) and “Guardia Civil” Public Safety members, the Mossos d’Esquadra Maritime Unit and Public Safety, the Rosas Local Police and the Intervention and Support Unit of the Catalan Emergency Medical System.

The Navy has specialists in explosives deactivation distributed in different Diving Units which reach the entire Spanish seacoast.

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, 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.

Surveillance and Deterrence Standing Operations

Surveillance and deterrence 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.