Africa-Press – Angola. The Spanish Navy’s Maritime Action Ship (BAM) “Relâmpago”, has been moored since Tuesday in the Port of Luanda, where it should remain until today, as part of the cooperation between the two countries in the field of coastal security and surveillance.
The press learned that the “Relâmpago” integrates a specific contingent composed of 77 men and (8) eight women, including the ship’s crew.
Also part of the contingent that is in the Angolan capital is an Operational Security Team (EOS) of the marine infantry, an Embedded Air Unit (UNAEMB) belonging to the Navy Aircraft fleet and several commissioned personnel, including a doctor.
The Maritime Action Ship “Relâmpago” thus carries out a series of military cooperation activities with the Angolan navy and support to Spanish diplomatic delegations.
BAM “Relámpago” has been deployed in the Gulf of Guinea since 7 September, carrying out surveillance and maritime security within the framework of coordinated maritime presences of the European Union (PMC-EU).
The deployment takes place within the framework of the operations of the Armed Forces, and is directed by the commander of the Operations Command (CMOPS) and led by the commander of the Maritime Operations Command (CMOM). It carries out maritime surveillance activities, training coastal States and supporting defense diplomacy with the aim of improving regional maritime security and reinforcing the Spanish presence and interests in the areas covered.
The Embassy in Luanda explains, in a note, that the participation of “Relâmpago” in this deployment shows the commitment of the Kingdom of Spain in defending the interests on the coast of West Africa and in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as serving to guarantee freedom of navigation in the region, support the development of countries’ maritime security capabilities, through bilateral relations based on mutual trust.
“This strengthening of the capacities of the riparian countries is mainly based on dialogue and military cooperation, carrying out activities at a bilateral level to increase the capabilities of the navy in the region, which allow an increase in international maritime security”, it reads.
BAM’s “Lightning” (P-43)
The Maritime Action Ship (BAM) “Lightning” is the third in a series of four ships, built by the San Fernando factory of the Navantia Shipyard, which are based in the military arsenal of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The “BAM” project responds to the navy’s need to renew the fleet of patrol boats with modern units equipped with advanced technology and a high number of automatisms that would allow handling for a reduced supply.
BAM “Relâmpago” was launched in October 2010 and delivered to the navy on February 6, 2012. It is the ninth ship with this name. The predecessors served from 1773 to 1975. Participated in the anti-piracy operation “Atalanta” in the waters of the Indian Ocean , in the “Active Endeavor” operation of the fight against terrorism in the Mediterranean. It has completed a deployment in the Southern Cone and West Coast of Africa, and regularly carries out various surveillance and maritime security missions in the waters of the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean Sea.
It is especially designed to sail on the high seas for extended periods of time and in turbulent sea states without leading to a significant degradation of its capabilities. It has a flight deck, which allows it to operate with medium-sized helicopters, a hospital and two semi-rigid bows.
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