SPS Navarra and the Russian cruise Moskva

Operation Active Endeavour (OAE) was set up in October 2001 as part of NATO's response to the security threat posed by international terrorism. NATO naval forces perform patrols and surveillance activities in the Mediterranean, and since April 2003 have been carrying out compliant boarding and inspections of vessels in order to counter the proliferation of weapons and terrorist movements.  As of 21 May 2008 147 vessels boarded, more than 92000 vessels hailed and 488 merchant vessels escorted.

Provision also exists for escorting non-military ships through the narrow Strait of Gibraltar as a precautionary measure against potential terrorist attacks.

In addition to NATO Allies, Russia and Ukraine have now provided vessels to contribute to the operation.