Patrol vessel 'Infanta Elena' starts its last maritime surveillance mission

• The Navy ship will set sail for the last time after almost 43 years in service

Offshore patrol vessel 'Infanta Elena' will carry out maritime surveillance and security tasks in the Mediterranean between September 21 and October 2 in the maritime areas of national sovereignty in the south of the peninsula. A task that is part of the Armed Forces’ standing operations, integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM in Spanish)) under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

The ship plans to carry out a naval presence in the ports of Cádiz (September 23, 24 and 25, where she will participate as a collaborating ship in the GP-SAIL regatta), Palma (September 28 and 29) and Alicante (September 30 and 01 October). While at these last two ports, the ship will hold an open day (11:00-13:30 and 16:00-19:30) to give the public the opportunity to visit it, to show its capabilities and there will be a solemn lowering of the flag.

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 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.

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.

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.