The OPV 'Rayo' visits the port of Melilla

• It will be available for public visits on 25 and 26 March.

The offshore patrol vessel OPV 'Rayo' (P-42), part of the Canary Islands Naval Command, belonging to the Maritime Action Force based at the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Arsenal, will call at the port of Melilla on 25 and 26 March.

During this operation 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).

It will be available for visits at the port of Melilla, during the following hours:

- Saturday 25 March from 16:30 to 19:00 local time.

- Sunday 26 March from 10:00 to 12:30 local time.

For the coordination of the logistical aspects of this stopover of the "Rayo"has the support of the Melilla Naval Command, which is part of the Maritime Action Force

In addition to other missions of an operational, logistical or institutional representation nature, its priority mission is to be the Navy's point of reference for all those involved in the maritime community based in this geographical area, which includes not only the waters of Melilla but also Chafarinas, Al Hoceima and the Rock of Velez la Gomera.

The 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 Action 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

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM in Spanish) 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.