The maritime action vessel 'Rayo' begins its participation in the Permanent Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

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

The offshore patrol vessel 'Rayo' (P-42), under the Naval Command of the Canary Islands, belonging to the Maritime Action Force (FAM). Based at the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Arsenal, it set sail as part of the Maritime Operational Command. Its mission is to carry out maritime surveillance tasks in areas of national interest in order to contribute to guarantee the security of maritime areas within the framework of the Permanent Operations of the Armed Forces, integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

The vessel will dock at the Melilla port, where it will be available for public visit.

The missions assigned include contributing to Marine Environment Awareness (MEA), an enabling element for the rest of the operations, and Maritime Security Operations (MSO), which are specific actions against threats and illegal acts that endanger security in the maritime environment.

Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) 'Rayo'

The offshore patrol vessel 'Rayo' is the second of the four maritime action ships dependent on the Canary Islands Naval Command, based at the Las Palmas Arsenal. They have been designed to carry out maritime security missions, protection of national maritime interests and control of areas of sovereignty and national interest, as well as missions in collaboration with State Security Forces and Corps at sea, such as operations against drug trafficking or terrorism. They also carry out maritime traffic control and protection missions; fishing surveillance and control and fight against maritime pollution.

Maritime Ation Force

The maritime action force, integrated into the FLEET, is made up of the group of units whose main purpose is to prepare for the protection of international maritime interests and the control of maritime spaces of national sovereignty and interest. It takes charge, with a comprehensive approach, of ensuring permanent cooperation with the various government bodies with responsibilities within the maritime field, which constitutes the Navy's contribution to the State's Action at Sea.

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 (JEMAD). It is responsible, at its level, 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.

Permanent Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

Permanent Surveillance and Deterrence Operations are an effective tool to maintain vigilance of areas of sovereignty, allowing for the early detection of threats. They facilitate an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

The Permanent Command structure consists of the Land Operational Command (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Aerospace (MOA) and the recently created Cyberspace (MOC). On a daily basis, around 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in permanent operations, under the operational control of the Operations Command