The patrol vessel ‘Isla Pinto’ is carrying out maritime surveillance duties in areas of national interest

•  Within the framework of Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, the vessel carries out maritime traffic monitoring and control activities within her area of operation

The Patrol Surveillance Vessel (PVZ) ‘Isla Pinto’ (P-84) is currently carrying out a mission of maritime surveillance, maritime presence and control of sovereign waters, with the aim of helping to ensure security in the Melilla waters and other Spanish maritime areas.

Among her primary tasks, the ‘Isla Pinto’ carries out maritime traffic verification and control activities, whilst monitoring fishing activity within her assigned navigation zone.

This mission is being carried out within the framework of the Armed Forces’ Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, with the vessel integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Commander of Joint Operational Comand (CMOPS).

Patrol boat ‘Isla Pinto’ (P-84)

The Patrol Surveillance Vessel (PVZ) ‘Isla Pinto’ is a vessel of the Maritime Operations Command (MOC) named from Isla Pinto, an artificial island located within the Mahón Naval Base. This patrol vessel belongs to the ‘Toralla’ class, alongside the patrol vessels ‘Toralla’ (P-81) and ‘Formentor’ (P-82), based in Cartagena, and the ‘Isla de Leon’ (P-83), based in Ceuta. El patrullero ‘Isla Pinto’ se integra en el Mando las Unidades de la Fuerza de Acción Marítima en Cádiz (COMARDIZ), y tiene su base en la ciudad autónoma de Melilla.

Maritime Operations Command and the OPVDs

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is a component of the Armed Forces’ operational structure, reporting to the Chief of the Defence (JEMAD), and is responsible, at its level, for the planning, conduct and monitoring of operations relating to presence, surveillance and deterrence in maritime areas under national sovereignty, responsibility and interest. It is under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Operations (ALMART), Vice-Admiral Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa, and has its headquarters in Cartagena.

As part of the MOM, several Navy ships carry out, under the operational control of the Operations Command, Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD), which are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance in areas of sovereignty and interest. This enables a better understanding of the maritime environment, contributes to its comprehensive protection — alongside other state institutions — and also allows for the early detection of threats and facilitates an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.

Together with the MOM, the Land Operational Command (MOT), Air Operational Command (MOA), Space Operational Command (MOESPA) and Cyber Operational Command (MOC) form the structure of the Permanent Commands. On a daily basis, some 850 military personnel from the Armed Forces are involved in permanent operations, which are conducted under the operational control of the Operations Command.