From January 9 to 16, 2024 the coastal surveillance patrol boat ‘Isla Pinto’ (P-84), has been conducting her first operational mission, once navalized after having been procured by the Spanish Navy. The boat visited the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Menorca, docking in the naval stations of Porto Pi and Mahón.
This first operational task, a maritime surveillance mission in the areas of interest along the Balearic and eastern peninsular waters, was also an opportunity to test the new naval equipment and systems, and to increase the crew's training level, prior to her scheduled deployment in her home port of Melilla (30 JAN 24).
At the beginning of January 2024, the ‘Isla Pinto’ completed the commissioning process, which began on June 21, 2023, with the delivery of the ship to the Spanish Navy in the port of Vigo where the boat was adequately fitted with specific naval equipment, systems and armament.
One of the most significant milestones of the ship's arrival in the Balearic Islands was the call at the port of Mahón, which has allowed the ship to sail in the vicinity of the island that gives name to the patrol boat, Isla Pinto.
During the call at the port of Mahón, several military and social activities took place. In addition to a Solemn Raising of the Flag Ceremony with invited civilian and military authorities, the ship was blessed by the bishop of Menorca. The crew had also the chance to visit the islands of Isla Pinto and Isla del Rey.