The patrol vessel ‘Medas’ completes a new maritime surveillance and security operation

•  The Spanish Navy vessel completes her deployment after carrying out her tasks within the framework of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD) in the waters of the Alboran Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar.

The patrol vessel ‘Medas’ returns to her home port after completing an operational security mission in the Alboran Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar.

The vessel’s mission has been framed within the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD) that the Armed Forces carry out on a permanent basis. Its objective is to contribute to the protection of maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest, monitor possible illicit activities and detect units of interest.

During the patrol, the crew detected an unidentified vessel adrift. After coming alongside her and carrying out a visual inspection, her transfer was coordinated to a patrol vessel of the Spanish Civil Guard Maritime Service for subsequent towing.

On the other hand, ‘Medas’ coincided in the Alboran Sea with the amphibious ship ‘Galicia’, the frigate ‘Victoria’ and the fisheries cooperation training vessel ‘Intermares’, units which were conducting the training cruise for students of the Naval Academy. Likewise, and in compatibility with her surveillance tasks, the vessel collaborated with the Cartagena Evaluation and Certification Authority (EVACART), participating in surface exercises together with the offshore patrol vessel ‘Relámpago’, which was carrying out her Operational Qualification.

During this operation, ‘Medas’ was integrated into the Maritime Operational Command (MOM), under the operational control of the Commander of the Operations Command (CMOPS), maintaining constant coordination with the Maritime Action Operations and Surveillance Centre (COVAM).

For the development of the mission, the vessel had a complement of 28 personnel, who ensured compliance with the legislation in force in waters under national sovereignty.

THE PVZ ‘MEDAS’

The patrol vessel ‘Medas’ is integrated into the Maritime Action Force (FAM), which, within the Fleet, is made up of the set of units whose main task is to prepare to protect national maritime interests and the control of maritime areas of sovereignty and national interest.

With a comprehensive approach, they ensure permanent cooperation with the different bodies of the Administration with responsibilities in the maritime domain, contributing to State action at sea.

MARITIME OPERATIONAL COMMAND AND OPVD

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is the body of the operational structure of the Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of Defence (CHOD), responsible, at its level, for the planning, conduct and monitoring of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations in maritime areas of sovereignty, responsibility and national interest.

It is under the command of the Maritime Action Admiral (ALMART), Vice Admiral Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa, and is based in Cartagena.

Integrated into the MOM, different Spanish Navy vessels carry out, under the operational control of the Operations Command, Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD), which are an effective tool to maintain the surveillance of areas of sovereignty and interest. This makes it possible to increase knowledge of the maritime environment, contribute to its comprehensive protection — together with other State institutions — and also to detect threats in advance and facilitate an immediate and viable response in the event of a potential crisis.

Together with the MOM, the Land (MOT), Air (MOA), Space (MOESPA) and Cyberspace (MOC) Operational Commands form the Permanent Operational Command Structure. Every day, around 850 personnel of the Armed Forces are involved in permanent operations, conducted under the operational control of the Operations Command.