The patrol boat Isla de León carries out maritime surveillance in Spanish waters in the Strait and the Alboran Sea

•  The presence of the vessel contributes to the comprehensive protection of areas of national interest

The Area Surveillance Patrol Boat (PVZ) Isla de León (P-83) has begun her operation of naval presence, maritime surveillance, and control of areas of national interest in the waters of Ceuta and the Spanish territories—islets and rocks—in North Africa.

Surveillance activities focus on key areas of maritime traffic in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea, with the aim of preserving freedom of navigation; monitoring compliance with the law and safety at sea; protecting citizens; and safeguarding national and international interests, together with other state institutions.

Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations (OPVD) are entrusted to the Armed Forces, with the vessel Isla de León integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS).

Isla de León patrol boat

The patrol boat Isla de León, commanded by Lieutenant Francisco Javier Morales Yedra, is part of the Maritime Action Force Command in Cádiz (COMARDIZ). It is based in the autonomous city of Ceuta and has a crew of 18 sailors. It is a vessel of the Maritime Action Force (FAM), named after Isla de León, which is home to the city of San Fernando, Cádiz, It belongs to the ‘Toralla’ class, along with the patrol boats ‘Toralla’ (P-81) and ‘Formentor’ (P-82), based in Cartagena, and the ‘Isla Pinto’ (P-84), with port in Melilla.

Her main tasks are maritime surveillance and naval presence in areas of interest, thereby contributing to the conduct of maritime security operations, as well as supporting civil authorities responsible for state action at sea.

Maritime Operational Command (MOM)

From her headquarters in Cartagena, the Maritime Operational Command (MOM), under the command of Vice Admiral Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa, is the body within the Armed Forces' operational structure responsible, at her level, for planning, conducting, and monitoring OPVDs. These permanent operations are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of areas of national interest, 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, around 800 Armed Forces personnel are involved in permanent operations under the operational control of the Operations Command.