Patrol boat Tabarca sails for maritime security along the Galician coast

Patrol boat Tabarca has carried out surveillance in the fisheries protection zones (FPZ) of the Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial Natural Park.

She has thus conducted presence, surveillance and deterrence operations (OPVD) around the islands Ons, Cíes and Sálvora, as well as other areas of interest, such as those included in the Natura 2000 Network. Her mission has included the protection of underwater archaeological heritage, as well as increasing knowledge of the maritime environment in the area.

At the same time, the crew performed multiple operational exercises aim at improving their training and strengthening areas such as naval force protection readiness, flare launching, navigation, manoeuvring, energy and propulsion, and internal security, among others.

These activities took place under the command of Lieutenant Enrique Delgado González, Tabarca´s commander, as part of the operations for presence, surveillance and deterrence (OPVD) in waters of permanent interest, with the patrol boat integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is part of the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence (JEMAD), responsible, at its level, for planning, conducting and monitoring operations involving presence, surveillance and deterrence in maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility and national interest. MOM is under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART) and it is based in Cartagena.

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

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

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