The patrol boat Medas begins her maritime surveillance and security mission

• The Navy ship sets sail to carry out her duties in Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations (OPVD), with the aim of maintaining security in waters of national interest

After finishing her preparation phase, the Area Surveillance Patrol Boat (PVZ) ‘Medas’ has set sail to begin her voyage in a new scheduled operation. On this occasion, it will focus on presence, surveillance, and deterrence tasks in the waters of the Strait and in the vicinity of the Alboran Sea.

The ship has set sail from the Puntales Naval Station (Cadiz) and is replacing the patrol boat ‘Vigía’, which has been operating since October 26 with the same mission of collaborating in the comprehensive protection of maritime areas of national interest.

During this mission, the ship and her crew, commanded by Lieutenant Santiago González-Aller Rodríguez, ensure a permanent presence in the region to strengthen maritime security and knowledge of the maritime environment, as well as ensuring compliance with legislation in territorial waters and preventing the commission of criminal acts.

The PVZ “Medas” in the Maritime Operational Command

The patrol boat “Medas” is part of the Maritime Action Force (FAM) which, within the Fleet, is made up of a group of units whose main task is to protect national maritime interests and control maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest. With a comprehensive approach, they ensure ongoing cooperation with the various government agencies with jurisdiction in the maritime sphere, contributing to the State's action at sea.

During this operation, and under the operational control of the Commander of Operations Command (CMOPS), the vessel rejoins the Maritime Operations Command (MOM) and maintains constant coordination with the Maritime Action Operations and Surveillance Centre (COVAM).

The MOM is the operational structure organ 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. It is under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART), Vice Admiral Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa, and is headquartered 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, some 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in permanent operations under the operational control of the Operations Command.