The rescue vessel “Neptuno” carries out her first presence, surveillance and deterrence operation

• In this deployment, the Navy vessel contributes her underwater intervention capabilities in the field of maritime security

The rescue vessel Neptuno has set sail to perform her first activation at sea, during which it will carry out operational activities involving presence, surveillance and deterrence in the waters off the Mediterranean coast. From the Algameca Naval Station (Cartagena), the Neptuno and her crew set sail with the mission of contributing their specific capabilities to the comprehensive protection of maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest.

During this mission, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Jorge Rivera Dodero, the rescue vessel's mission is to ensure a permanent presence in this region to strengthen maritime security, increase knowledge of the maritime environment and, in collaboration with other civil institutions, prevent illegal activities at sea. As Commander Rivera points out, ‘we have embarked on an exciting siling for the crew of the Neptuno, where we can contribute our underwater intervention capabilities in order to increase the security of maritime spaces. We have prepared intensively to achieve this.’

The ‘Neptuno’ in Maritime Operational Command

Within the Fleet, the rescue vessel Neptuno is part of the Maritime Action Force (FAM), which 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. At sea, it has the capacity to carry out underwater search, detection, location, reconnaissance and intervention operations on any submerged object. To this end, it has diving specialists, equipment and unmanned underwater vehicles with great intervention capacity, such as the ROV Leopard.

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

The MOM is the body 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. 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 Operational Command (MOT), Maritime Operational Command (MOM), Air Operational Command (MOA), Space Operational Command (MOESPA) and Cyberspace Operational Command (MOC) make up the Permanent Commands structure.