The minehunters Segura and Turia carry out seabed reconnaissance operations in Mediterranean coastal waters

• These missions are carried out periodically in the main Spanish ports to update the databases of seabed contacts

The Spanish Navy minehunters Segura (M-31) and Turia (M-34) are sailing along the Mediterranean coastline, conducting seabed reconnaissance tasks in the vicinity of various ports on the eastern Spanish coast. This mission is being carried out as part of the Armed Forces' Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations, with the ships integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

Mine countermeasure (MCM) operations in port access areas are a routine activity carried out periodically in Spain's main ports with the aim of updating databases on seabed contacts. These naval actions are extremely important for gaining a better understanding of our seas, as well as contributing to the protection of underwater heritage. During these operations, strict safety precautions must be established, monitored, and complied with in relation to maritime traffic, especially to avoid interference with the normal operation of ships entering and leaving ports.

Minehunters ‘Segura’ and ‘Turia’

The mineshunters Segura and Turia belong to the 1st minehunters Squadron, which is under the command of Commander Javier Molina Martínez and is based at the Military Arsenal in Cartagena. The crew of both ships consists of 42 sailors, who form a team specialized in the detection, classification, and destruction/neutralization of submerged explosive devices. Each minesweeper has great maneuverability, variable depth sonar, and two underwater vehicles as its main means of completing this task.

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is the arm of the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defense  (JEMAD), 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 and is based in Cartagena.

Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations

Presence, surveillance, and deterrence operations are an effective tool for maintaining vigilance over 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), Cyberspace Operations Command (MOC), and Space Operations Command (MOESPA) make up the Permanent Commands structure. Every day, hundreds of Armed Forces personnel are involved in this type of operation under the operational control of the Operations Command.