The oceanic patrol vessel ‘Vencedora’ deploys off the West-African coat

The OPV ‘Vencedora’ set sail from her home port in Cartagena to take part in the ‘Africa Partnership Station’ (APS) initiative and several cooperative security activities in the African continent as part of the Defense diplomacy plan.

During the three and a half month deployment, the ship will conduct maritime security exercises within the APS framework. The first exercise, ‘Saharan Express’, intends to enhance maritime security capabilities of west-African nations in their own territorial waters and EEZs.

The second scheduled exercise, ‘Obangame Express’, consists of maritime interdiction (MIO) drills; that is, anti-terrorist and embargo operations, and fight against trafficking of materials and weapons of mass destruction.

APS is an initiative designed to increase stability and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, enhancing the operational capabilities of regional nations by means of conducting joint training exercises.

Cooperative Security, Defense Diplomacy Plan and Solidarity Initiative

On this occasion, the OPV ‘Vencedora’ will boost cooperative security activities with nations like Senegal, extending the mission –in relation with previous deployments– for nearly a month.

During her tour around the African coast, the patrol vessel will support the Defense Diplomacy Plan: a series of international activities based on dialogue and cooperation organized by the Ministry of Defense at bilateral level with allied or partner nations, in order to promote the objectives of the defense policy like conflict prevention and enhancement of security capabilities. To this end, the ship will make the following ports of call: Mauritania, Gabon, Ghana, Senegal and Cape Verde.

With this deployment, the Spanish Navy OPV will visit areas of vital interest for the security of Spain as stated in the National Security Strategy in reference to the Gulf of Guinea. Warranting maritime security in areas of interest is part of the standing missions of the Spanish Armed Forces.

The ‘Vencedora’, like other warships before her, will also deliver food, clothes and medicines to the needy, on the occasion of the different ports of call. This material was collected thanks to solidarity campaign organized by military and civilian personnel.

Oceanic patrol vessel ‘Vencedora’

The oceanic patrol vessel, under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Miguel Perales, was originally designed as a corvette but later converted into a patrol boat. Between September 2004 and June 2005 the ship underwent an intense overhaul and refurbishing process and received the serial number P-79.

The OPV’s home port is Cartagena and her main missions are: maritime security, fight against sea pollution, detection and tracking of possible illegal activities and collaboration with other Spanish constabulary and security forces fighting terrorism and drug trafficking.