The offshore patrol vessel ‘Serviola’ concludes its presence, surveillance and deterrence operation in national waters

•  For two months, the vessel has reinforced maritime security in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea

The offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Serviola’ has carried out maritime surveillance in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, the Alboran Sea and the Western Mediterranean for two months.

During the mission, the ‘Serviola’ has carried out the tasks inherent to Maritime Security Operations (MSO). These include activities to verify and control maritime traffic, such as tracking Russian Federation vessels to ensure freedom of navigation and enhance situational awareness.

In addition, the vessel maintained a naval presence in the vicinity of Alborán Island and in waters and rock islands under Spanish sovereignty near North Africa, the Chafarinas Islands, and the Rock Islands of Alhucemas and Vélez de la Gomera, as well as Ceuta and Melilla. During its visit to Chafarinas, the crew received a visit from personnel of the Army.

For this operation, the ‘Serviola’ has boarded two Marine Corps Security Operations Teams (EOS) from the Tercio Sur and Tercio de Levante, to enhance its capabilities in force protection and maritime interdiction. The ‘Serviola’ has called at the Naval Base in Mahón, the Naval Base in Rota and at the Cartagena Naval Base.

This mission has been part of the Armed Forces’ Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence (OPVD) operations, with the vessel integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM) and under the operational control of the Joint Operations Command (MOPS).

Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Serviola’

The ‘Serviola’ is one of the offshore patrol vessels under the command of the Commander of Maritime Operations in Ferrol (COMARFER). Its main tasks include carrying out maritime security missions, protecting national maritime interests and controlling areas of sovereignty and national interest, as well as missions in collaboration with the State Security Forces at sea.

Maritime Operational Command and the OPVD

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is the body within the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence (CHOD) and responsible, at its level, for the planning, conduct and monitoring of operations involving presence, surveillance and deterrence in maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility and national 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, 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 monitoring areas of sovereignty and national interest. This enhances understanding of the maritime environment, contributes to its comprehensive protection —in cooperation with other state institutions— and also detects threats in advance, facilitating an effective and quick 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 Joint Operations Command.