The patrol vessel “Isla de León” reinforces maritime security in the waters of Peñón de Vélez

•  A team of military personnel from the 52nd Melilla Regulars Group has boarded the ship to test the unit's capabilities and improve interoperability

The Area Surveillance Patrol Vessel (PVZ) “Isla de León” has carried out naval presence, maritime surveillance and control activities in the waters of Peñón de Vélez.

A team of military personnel from the 52nd Melilla Regulars Group boarded the ship to check the unit's capabilities and meet the patrol boat's crew. This visit served to strengthen ties and improve interoperability between the two units, whose common goal is to maintain surveillance and comprehensive protection of areas of permanent interest. With this mission, both units are equipped to detect threats and cooperate in responding to a potential crisis.

In addition, during its maritime patrols under the command of Lieutenant Francisco Javier Morales Yedra, the Isla de León has sailed in recent weeks through the Strait of Gibraltar, the Alboran Sea and the waters near Ceuta, Melilla and the Chafarinas Islands.

This mission is part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD), under the operational control of the Operations Command, and is carried out throughout Spanish territory.

Isla de León Patrol Vessel

The patrol boat Isla de León is integrated into the Maritime Action Force Unit Command in Cadiz (MARDIZ) and is based in the autonomous city of Ceuta. It is a Maritime Action Force (FAM) vessel named after Isla de León, located in the city of San Fernando, Cadiz.

Her main tasks are maritime surveillance and naval presence in areas of sovereignty and interest, contributing to the conduct of maritime security operations and supporting those civil authorities responsible for Spanish State action at sea.

Part of the RODMAN 101 class, unique in the Navy due to her length of 101 feet (approximately 31 metres), the vessel previously served in the Galician Regional Government's Coastguard Service until it was handed over to the Navy in October 2022.

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 850 Armed Forces personnel are involved in permanent operations under the operational control of the Operations Command.

In this context, the Maritime Operational Command (MOM)—under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART), Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa—is the operational arm of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence  (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.