BAM Rayo Sets Sail for West Africa and Gulf of Guinea
The Maritime Action Ship (BAM) Rayo is scheduled to depart from its base at the Las Palmas Arsenal in Gran Canaria on 1st September for a deployment along the western coast of Africa and in the Gulf of Guinea.
### Farewell Ceremony
As reported by the Naval Command of the Canary Islands, a farewell ceremony will take place on the same day, presided over by Admiral Commander Santiago De Colsa Trueba.
### About the BAM Rayo
The BAM Rayo is the second ship of the Meteoro class, based at the Las Palmas Arsenal. It was launched on 18th May 2010 and entered service on 26th October 2011.
### Previous Missions
Rayo has participated in Operation Atalanta three times in the Indian Ocean, supporting the World Food Programme and combating piracy, as well as taking part in numerous national and international exercises.
### Missions and Responsibilities
Maritime Action Ships are designed to carry out maritime security missions, protect national maritime interests, and control areas of sovereignty and national interest. They also collaborate with State Security Forces at sea in operations against drug trafficking and terrorism.
Additionally, these vessels perform duties related to controlling and protecting maritime traffic, monitoring and regulating fishing activities, and combating maritime pollution.
