BAM “Relámpago” safeguards Canary maritime security

The vessel will monitor sovereign and nationally‑important maritime zones throughout the week as part of presence, surveillance and deterrence operations.

The Maritime Action Ship (BAM) “Relámpago” set sail from the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria arsenal to commence a Maritime Security Operation (MSO) in the waters of the Canary archipelago, an operation that will run for the entire week.

This mission falls under the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD) framework and is conducted under the operational control of the Operations Command (CMOPS), through the Maritime Operational Command (MOM). During the deployment, the ship will carry out maritime‑surveillance tasks to:

• Ensure the safety of spaces of national interest.
• Enhance knowledge of the maritime environment.
• Cooperate in guaranteeing freedom of navigation across various maritime zones of the Canary Islands.

“These operations are essential to guarantee maritime security, protect our interests and maintain stability in a strategic area, while also ensuring a rapid response to any situation that could affect normal maritime activity,” said Captain Victor Meijueiro Morado, commander of the Relámpago.

Based at the Las Palmas arsenal, the BAM Relámpago belongs to the Maritime Action Force (FAM), whose primary mission is the protection of national maritime interests and the control of sovereign and nationally‑important maritime spaces, thereby contributing to the State’s action at sea.

Maritime Operational Command and the OPVD

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is a component of the Armed Forces’ operational structure, subordinate to the Chief of the Defence Staff (JEMAD). MOM is responsible for planning, directing and monitoring presence, surveillance and deterrence operations in sovereign, responsible and nationally‑important maritime zones. It is commanded by Vice Admiral Vicente Cuquerella Gamboa, Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART), and is headquartered in Cartagena.

Within MOM, various Navy vessels conduct OPVD under the operational control of the Operations Command. These operations serve as an effective tool to:

• Maintain surveillance over sovereign and interest areas.
• Increase situational awareness of the maritime environment.
• Contribute to comprehensive protection together with other State institutions.
• Detect threats early and enable an immediate, viable response to potential crises.

Together with MOM, the Land Operational Command (MOT), Air Operational Command (MOA), Space Operational Command (MOESPA) and Cyberspace Operational Command (MOC) form the structure of Permanent Commands. Approximately 850 military personnel are engaged daily in these permanent operations, all coordinated under the operational control of the Operations Command.