The Maritime Action Vessel Tornado and its Maritime Surveillance Operation
The Maritime Action Vessel (BAM) Tornado will set sail next Monday, February 19 to carry out an important surveillance and security mission in the maritime spaces of national sovereignty in the Canary archipelago. This operation is part of the permanent tasks of the Armed Forces to guarantee the protection of territorial waters. During this navigation, the ship will be under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS) and the Maritime Operational Command (MOM).
Stopover at the Port of La Estaca
The BAM Tornado is scheduled to make a stopover at the port of La Estaca, on the island of El Hierro, on February 24 and 25. During this visit, the public will be offered the opportunity to visit the ship at an open house. Visiting hours will be Saturday, February 24, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, February 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Collaboration and Mutual Training
The BAM Tornado has a crew of 35 people who will carry out the assigned tasks during this mission. In addition, collaboration with units of the Air Force is planned to carry out mutual training activities. This cooperation between different branches of the Armed Forces contributes to strengthening the response capacity and effectiveness in the protection of maritime spaces.
Maritime Operational Command and its Responsibility
The Maritime Operational Command (MOM) is the body in charge of planning, conducting and monitoring surveillance and security operations in maritime spaces of sovereignty, responsibility and national interest. This command, subordinate to the Chief of the Defense Staff through the Operations Commander (CMOPS), has its headquarters in Cartagena and is under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART)
Importance of Permanent Operations
Permanent Operations are an essential tool to maintain constant surveillance of spaces of national sovereignty. These operations allow us to detect possible threats in advance and facilitate an immediate and effective response to any crisis that may arise. The Land Operational Commands (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Air (MOA), Cyberspace (MOC) and Space (MOESPA) make up the structure of the Permanent Commands, and daily involve some 3,000 members of the Armed Forces under operational control. of the Operations Command
The Maritime Action Vessel Tornado and its History
The BAM Tornado is the most recent of a series of four ships built by the San Fernando shipyard of the Navantia Company between 2010 and 2012. This project arises in response to the need to renew the fleet of patrol boats of the Spanish Navy, providing it with modern units with advanced technology and automated systems that allow its operation with a reduced crew. The BAM Tornado was launched in 2011 and delivered to the Navy in July 2012. Since then, it has carried out various missions in national and international waters, contributing to maritime security and the strengthening of national interests.
