OPV ‘Tornado’ calls at the port of Praia (Cape Verde)

The ship called at Cape Verde on September 10th as part of Spain’s military cooperation and defense diplomacy mission. While in port, the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Tornado’ welcomed the Spanish Ambassador Ana Paredes as well as other local authorities.

During the port call, different military cooperation activities were arranged with the Special Operations Forces of the host nation. The ship supported these activities by providing material and personnel for the various theoretical and practical training courses on boarding, diving, inland movements and sanitary practices. All these activities are essential to reinforce the maritime security capabilities of the coastal countries, with the common objective of achieving safe and threat-free maritime spaces.

As part of the program, the ship had the opportunity to receive on board a crew of the Cape Verde ‘RADIOTELEVISION’ (RCT) for a television report. Also a local press media "EXPRESSO DAS ILHAS", with whom the ship’s Commander had an interview, expressing his appreciation for the reception of his unit in the port of Praia and emphasizing that the main mission during the CMP-GoG deployment is maritime surveillance. The report and the interview were broadcasted during the TV news, which is the program of maximum audience in Cape Verde.

A representation of the crew visited the COSMAR (Maritime Operations Center). This visit allowed the crew to learn about that organization and its capabilities. It will operate in a close collaboration with the Center since three Cape Verdean servicemen will embark on the ‘Tornado’ to carry out a combined patrol in waters of sovereignty and interest of Cape Verde.

During the call at the port of Praia, the ship, in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy, invited the Spanish community and Cape Verdean schools to visit the ship. During these guided tours they were shown around the main compartments and explained the ship's mission and capabilities. In addition, a static exhibition of material was organized for visitors to interact with.

During the stopover in Praia, a reception presided by the Spanish Ambassador to Cape Verde also took place on board, attended by numerous civilian and military authorities, including the Minister of Defense of Cape Verde and numerous ambassadors from different countries such as the U.S. Ambassador in that country. During the reception, at sunset, the crew solemnly lowered the national flag. The Commander of the ship and the Spanish Ambassador also paid numerous visits to Cape Verdean civilian and military authorities, including the Commander of the National Guard, the Director of National Defense, the Director General of Foreign Policy and the Deputy Mayor of the City of Praia.

The call in Cape Verde of one of the most modern vessels of the Spanish Navy, decisively contributes to the foreign action of the State and projects a strong message of commitment of our country with Cape Verde.