Offshore patrol vessel ‘Infanta Elena’, half-way through her West African deployment.

After a two-month deployment in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Infanta Elena’ is currently half-way through her international mission trying to enhance maritime security in that part of the world, monitoring shipping and conducting naval presence activities in areas affected by piracy, uncontrolled migrations and illegal fishing.

The Spanish Navy ship, under operational control of the Maritime Security and Surveillance Command, has visited different ports in Mauritania, Cape Verde, Ghana, Angola, Cameroon and Gabon where she participated in several Cooperative Security activities intended to enhance the capabilities of regional Armed Forces. The OPV is also contributing to the Ministry of Defense’s Diplomacy Plan.

Surveillance of maritime areas in the Gulf of Guinea is part of Spain’s commitment with the international community to fight illegal activities at sea. The ‘Infanta Elena’ will remain in the area until June 27th.

The Defense Diplomacy Plan is a Ministry of Defense endeavor for cooperation at bilateral level with allied and partner nations, designed to prevent conflicts and strengthen the security capabilities of the armed forces concerned.