The Surveillance Patrol Vessel ‘Tagomago’ Concludes Its Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operation

•  The vessel has carried out patrols of presence and deterrence in the Alboran Sea to ensure freedom of navigational rights in the area
  

The surveillance patrol vessel ‘Tagomago’ has been conducting maritime surveillance in areas of national interest in the Alboran Sea. During this operation, as part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, the vessel, under the operational control of the Operations Command, has carried out maritime traffic verification and control activities to ensure freedom of navigation, as well as maintaining a maritime presence in the vicinity of the Alborán Island.

Some of the ship's assigned missions include contributing to Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA) and Maritime Security Operations (MSO), which involve specific actions to counter threats and unlawful acts that endanger safety at sea, thereby ensuring security and stability in areas of national interest.

One of the crew members, who is on his first deployment on this kind of missions, says that “taking part in this mission aboard the PVZ ‘Tagomago’ has been a unique experience”. He also says he has learnt from his more experienced crewmates how to “control maritime traffic, monitor compliance with navigation regulations and ensure a maritime presence in strategic areas to deter risks”.

The PVZ ‘Tagomago’

The ‘Tagomago’ is the second of ten ‘Anaga’-class patrol vessels built in the 1980s and one of eight vessels under the command of the Maritime Operations Command in Cádiz. It is designed to carry out maritime security missions, protect national maritime interests and monitor areas of national sovereignty and interest. It also carries out missions to control and protect maritime traffic, as well as fisheries surveillance and control. The PVZ ‘Tagomago’ sets sail with a crew of 25 men and women.

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.