The oceanic patrol vessel ‘Infanta Elena’ arrived at Angola

The oceanic patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Infanta Elena’ called at Lobito (Angola) from April 6th to the 10th, as part of her scheduled African deployment to contribute to Maritime Security in the region.

Upon her arrival, the ship was greeted by Angolan military authorities and Spanish diplomats. The following day the ship welcomed the Spanish Ambassador in Angola.

Three days of training on Maritime Security

During her stay in the city, the ‘Infanta Elena’ organized a three-day training session with Angolan servicemen. On the first day, the Spanish Marine Corps Unit trained with 12 local sailors on Maritime Interdiction operations (MIO). The exercise commenced with a briefing on the materiel to be used, followed by immobilization and seizure techniques. The drill concluded with different exercises on the deck of the patrol vessel performing as a merchant ship for the occasion.

Next day, a Damage Control exercise was scheduled for 21 participating Angolan servicemen. The drill exercise consisted in fire-fighting and breakdown control techniques, simulating a fire in one of the ship’s compartments.

On the same day, the Angolan Admiral of the Southern Region visited the ship and the Commanding Officer briefed him on her features and capabilities, subsequently touring him around the different areas and sections of the patrol vessel.

To wind up the training activities, a VBSS (Visit, Boarding, Search and Seizure) exercise was organized on board with participation of sailors from the Angolan Navy ship ‘Atlántico’ and a ‘fusileiros’ platoon.

The OPV ‘Infante Elena’ is currently sailing towards Lagos to participate in the MIO exercise ‘Obangame Express 14’.