The oceanic patrol vessel ‘Vencedora’ takes part in exercise ‘Obangame Express’

The OPV ‘Vencedora’, currently deployed in the West African coast, docked in Port Gentil (Gabon) to take part in the inauguration ceremony and conference, prior to the surveillance and maritime security exercise ‘Obangame Express’ as part of the training activities scheduled within the ‘Africa Partnership Station’ (APS) initiative.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Gabonese Minister of Defense and attended by the US Ambassador, local authorities, commanding officers, representatives from the participating units, and executive managers from oil and fishing companies.

The purpose of the exercise is to enhance cooperation and interoperability among Gulf of Guinea nations in surveillance and maritime security operations against illegal activities in their territorial waters and EEZs, in close cooperation with the United States and the main European and South American powers. 22 nations participate in the exercise, which will take place in three different scenarios along the designated coast of the Gulf of Guinea.

The ‘Vencedora’ will participate in the planned scenario off the coast of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea with the Royal Navy destroyer HMS ‘Dragon’, the RFA fleet oiler ‘Golden Rover’ and a Gabon Navy patrol vessel. A Gabonese Maritime Security Team will likewise embark to receive training on MIO, security and maritime surveillance operations.

Apart from the ‘Obangame Express’ exercise, the crew of the Spanish OPV will take part in different social and sports activities with their Gabonese counterparts to foster and strengthen the integration and cooperation between both nations. The ‘Vencedora’ will also welcome onboard Spanish citizens living in that African city.