The patrol vessel ‘Medas’ sets sail once again on a mission of presence, surveillance and deterrence

• The vessel sets sail from the Puntales Naval Station

The patrol vessel ‘Medas’ – under the command of Lieutenant Santiago González-Aller Rodríguez – begins its voyage in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea to carry out presence, surveillance and deterrence tasks.

The vessel’s mission is to protect and control maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest. The crew ensures ongoing cooperation with the various government agencies with responsibilities in the maritime sphere, contributing to the State’s action at sea.

This mission is carried out within the framework of the Armed Forces’ Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, with the ‘Medas’ integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Joint Operational Command (MOPS, in Spanish), and has maintained constant coordination with the Maritime Action Operations and Surveillance Centre (COVAM).

Maritime Operational Command and the OPVDs

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM, in Spanish) is a component of the Armed Forces’ operational structure, reporting to the Chief of Defence (JEMAD in Spanish), 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 is headquartered in Cartagena.

As part of the MOM, various Navy vessels carry out, under the operational control of the Operations Command, Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD), which are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of areas of sovereignty and interest. This enables an increased 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 Spanish Armed Forces are involved in permanent operations, which are conducted under the operational control of the Joint Operational Command.