OPV ‘Infanta Elena’ starts a deployment in Africa

The offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Infanta Elena’ has just left Cartagena (SE Spain) for a deployment in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea until June 23rd. The ship will participate in several cooperation activities with regional navies as part of Spain’s Diplomacy Plan and a contribution of the Armed Forces to the State’s external action service.

The farewell ceremony was presided over by Vice-admiral Manuel de la Puente, Maritime Action Commander, accompanied by Brigadier General Andrés Gacio, Marine Corps Protection Force Commander.

With this four-month deployment the Spanish Navy ship intends to participate and enhance maritime security issues in the area, improving the capabilities of regional armed forces with activities of military cooperation and cooperative security. The purpose of these activities is to strengthen the capabilities of those nations to successfully challenge the existing threats like piracy, and illegal fishing and immigration, which can also affect the interests of Spain.

During this deployment, the OPV ‘Infanta Elena’ will take part in two international exercises: ‘Obangame Express’ and ‘Nemo 18’ to boost maritime security and enhance the interoperability of participating units.