The patrol vessel ‘Medas’ concludes its maritime surveillance and security operation

• The Navy vessel has collaborated with the 4th Coastal Artillery Regiment to enhance interoperability in joint surveillance operations in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar

  The patrol vessel ‘Medas’ – under the command of Lieutenant Santiago González-Aller Rodríguez – returns to its home port at the Puntales Naval Station in Cádiz, having completed its maritime security mission, during which it carried out presence, surveillance and deterrence tasks in the waters of the Strait and the Alboran Sea.

Key tasks carried out included the protection of maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest, enhancing knowledge of the maritime environment, monitoring potential illicit activities, detecting vessels of interest, and contributing to maritime security in coordination with other state institutions.

The crew worked to ensure compliance with current legislation in waters of national interest.

During its deployment, the ‘Medas’ worked alongside a unit from the 4th Coastal Artillery Regiment (RACTA-4), enhancing the interoperability of joint surveillance in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar.

It has also maintained coordination with the Alborán Naval Detachment to ensure the exchange of information regarding maritime activities in the area and the preservation of the Natura 2000 network.

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 (MOC) and under the operational control of the Operations Joint Command and has maintained constant coordination with the Maritime Action Operations and Surveillance Centre.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘MEDAS’

The offshore patrol vessel ‘Medas’ is part of the Maritime Action Force  which, within the Fleet, comprises all units whose primary task is to prepare to protect national maritime interests and to control maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest.

Taking a comprehensive approach, they ensure ongoing cooperation with the various government bodies with responsibilities in the maritime sphere, contributing to the State’s activities at sea.

Maritime Operational Command and the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

The Maritime Operational Command (MOC) is a body within the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence, responsible, at its level, for the planning, conduct and monitoring of operations involving 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 MOC, various Navy vessels carry out, under the operational control of the Operations Command, Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, 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 MOC, the Land Operational Command (LOC), Air Operational Command (AOC), Space Operational Command and Cyber Operational Command 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.