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Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Serviola’ participates in a maritime surveillance operation in the waters of the 'Alboran' Sea

At sea
December 17, 2024
  • Naval presence actions near the North African coastal rocks are also to be carried out

Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Serviola’ is at sea to carry out surveillance and security tasks in the maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest in the waters of the Alboran Sea. This mission is carried out within the framework of the Armed Forces' Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, with the vessel integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

During its deployment, the ‘Serviola’ will conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Western Mediterranean and Alboran Sea. It will also carry out naval presence actions in Spanish sovereign waters close to the rocks in North Africa.

Among its main tasks, the ‘Serviola’ will control maritime traffic and fishing activity, as well as protecting the most important maritime lines of communication in the south of the peninsula. It will also contribute to the fight against illegal activities that may take place in this area, especially related to drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and surveillance work in the Special Environmental Protection Areas (SPAs) and Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) of the southern peninsular coast. 

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is the armed forces operational structure body, subordinate to the Chief of Defence (JEMAD), responsible, at his 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 Operations based in Cartagena.

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of sovereign spaces, enabling early detection of threats and facilitating an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

The Land (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Air (MOA), Cyberspace (MOC) and Space (MOESPA) Operational Commands make up the Permanent Command structure. There are about 3,000 Armed Forces personnel involve in these operations under the operational control of the Operations Command.

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