The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Infanta Cristina’ starts its maritime surveillance mission

• The Navy vessel will carry out a surveillance and security patrol in maritime areas under national sovereignty

The offshore patrol vessel (PA) 'Infanta Cristina' (P-77), will carry out a maritime surveillance mission over the next few weeks, as part of the ongoing operations conducted by the Armed Forces. Its mission involves maritime surveillance tasks with to ensure the security of maritime areas of national interest within the framework of the Permanent Operations of the Armed Forces, integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOC) and under the control of the Operations Command (MOPS, in Spanish).

The patrol vessel 'Infanta Cristina' is scheduled to call at the Naval Base in the port of Mahón (Menorca) where it will hold an open day and can be visited by the public.

Maritime Operational Command (MOC)

The Maritime Operational Command (MOC) is the body of the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinated to the Chief of Defence Staff (JEMAD, in Spanish) responsible for planning, conducting, and monitoring permanent 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) and is based in Cartagena.

Standing Operations of surveillance and deterrence

Standing Watch and Deterrent Operations are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of sovereign spaces, allowing for early detection of threats and facilitating an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

The Land, Maritime, Aerospace, and the newly created Cyberspace Operational Commands make up the Standing Command structure. On a daily basis, some 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in permanent operations, under the operational control of the Operations Command.

Maritime Action Force (MAF)

The MAF, integrated into the Fleet, is made up of the set of units whose main task is to prepare to protect international maritime interests and the control of maritime spaces of national sovereignty and interest, taking charge, with a comprehensive approach, of ensuring permanent cooperation with the various government bodies with responsibilities in the maritime sphere, which constitutes the Navy's contribution to the State's Action at Sea.

OPV ‘Infanta Cristina’

Built as the fourth corvette of the "Descubierta" class by the National Company Bazán in Cartagena, it was delivered to the Navy on 24 November 1980, and the National Flag was hoisted on board for the first time by H.R.H. the Infanta Doña Cristina. Between September 2004 and June 2005 it was converted to a deep-sea patrol vessel (P-77). It is currently based in Cartagena.

Built as the fourth corvette of the "Descubierta" class by the National Company Bazán in Cartagena, it was delivered to the Navy on 24 November 1980, and the National Flag was hoisted on board for the first time by H.R.H. the Infanta Doña Cristina. Between September 2004 and June 2005 it was converted to a deep-sea patrol vessel (P-77). It is currently based in Cartagena.

Today, its main mission is to conduct surveillance and maritime security operations in areas under national sovereignty. It also collaborates with and supports other public bodies in the control of maritime traffic, fishing surveillance, and the search and rescue of shipwrecked survivors.