The patrol boat ‘Tagomago’ on a mission to monitor and protect maritime areas of national interest

• During its mission, the Navy vessel also contributes to knowledge of the maritime environment and carries out maritime security operations

The Zone Surveillance Patrol Boat (PVZ) ‘Tagomago’ (P-22), commanded by Lieutenant Gonzalo Ruiz Gómez, has set sail with the mission of conducting maritime surveillance in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea, thereby helping to ensure the security of maritime areas of national interest.

This activity is carried out within the framework of presence, surveillance and deterrence operations (OPVD), with the patrol boat integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

Among its missions, the ship contributes to increasing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), which is the enabling element for all other operations; it also carries out Maritime Security Operations (MSO), which are specific actions against threats and illegal acts that endanger overall security in the maritime environment.

The PVZ ‘Tagomago’

The PVZ “Tagomago” is the second of ten patrol boats in the “Anaga” class, which were built in the 1980s, and one of eight vessels under the command of the Maritime Action Force Units in Cadiz. It is designed to carry out maritime security missions, protect national maritime interests, and control areas of sovereignty and national interest. It also carries out missions to control and protect maritime traffic, as well as fisheries surveillance and control.

 Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is the operational arm of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence Staff (JEMAD) and responsible, at its level, for planning, conducting and monitoring operations involving presence, surveillance and deterrence 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.

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