Offshore patrol boat 'Infanta Cristina' starts a maritime surveillance mission

•  Navy vessel takes part in one of the Armed Forces’ standing missions in areas of national interest

Offshore patrol vessel 'Infanta Cristina' set sail to carry out a surveillance and security mission in the maritime spaces of national sovereignty, within the Armed Forces’ standing operations.

This will depend on the Maritime Operations Command, under operational control of the Operations Command, and it plans to call at the port of Melilla from October 11 to 13. On the occasion of the Spanish National Day, an open-doors day will be held on October 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The ship’s crew consists on 87 military, including an Operational Security Team (EOS) belonging to the Madrid Grouping (AGRUMAD).

The main mission of the patrol boat 'Infanta Cristina' is to carry out surveillance and maritime 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 the search and rescue of shipwrecked people.

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.

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.