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Jan 20 2021

NATO FOCUSED SECURITY PATROLS IN WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN

MEDITERRANEAN SEA - Spanish offshore patrol vessel Meteoro, supported by maritime patrol aircrafts from Portugal and Spain, has deployed to the Western Mediterranean as part of NATO’s maritime security operation, Operation Sea Guardian (OSG).

NATO Operation Sea Guardian is a year-round, proactive and forward-looking 360 commitment of up-keeping deterrence on terrorism and illegal activities. This operation is also a fusion of information to create a comprehensive picture of daily activities in the Mediterranean, and NATO Maritime Command serves as the hub of maritime security information sharing for the Alliance.

The first OSG Focused Operation for 2021 focuses on the Alboran Sea, with a planned port visit to Tangiers, Morocco. Turkish and Spanish special operations forces support in stand-by under the OSG Special Operations Command and Control Element (SOCCE) 

The first OSG Focused Operation for 2021 focuses on the Alboran Sea, with a planned port visit to Tangiers, Morocco. Turkish and Spanish special operations forces support in stand-by under the OSG Special Operations Command and Control Element (SOCCE). 

The flagship ESPS Meteoro visited Morocco between 15-17 February 202. Upon their arrival at Tangiers’ port, Meteoro’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Álvaro Muñoz-Delgado Ramírez of the Spanish Navy met with Morocco representatives’ fifth Maritime Region, including their Chief of Operations, Commander Mohammad Alnouar. The interaction included briefing the Moroccan side on OSG and building links for future training, interoperability, and operational cooperation. Stringent COVID measures were in place to minimize the risk of exposure and ensure the crew’s health is protected.

With each OSG focused engagement, NATO seeks to further develop our partnerships so that they continue to meet the interests of both Allies and partners. Over the last few years, the number of partner units certified and evaluated to NATO standards has increased, new partners have joined interoperability programmes, and opportunities for partner participation in NATO exercises have been widened.

This Operation remains one of the most important tools for NATO projecting stability throughout the Mediterranean Sea and sustaining maritime situational awareness. Focused patrols of NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian help NATO maintain an accurate maritime picture of daily activity in the focused areas of the Mediterranean Sea and is an opportunity to increase cooperation and interoperability.

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