Throughout its operational history, the OVA Imaria participated in several international exercises and operations, including NATO exercises and humanitarian assistance missions. The ship also played a key role in several national and international maritime security operations, including the surveillance of Portuguese waters and the protection of shipping lanes.
In the 1990s, the OVA Imaria underwent a modernization program, which included the installation of new electronic systems, including a new combat management system and a communications system. The ship also received new armament, including a surface-to-air missile system.
The OVA Imaria entered service with the Portuguese Navy in 1974 and quickly became a valuable asset in the fleet. The ship's primary role was ASW, and it was equipped with the latest ASW technology, including sonar and torpedoes.
The OVA Imaria was decommissioned on June 23, 2017, after 43 years of service. The ship's decommissioning was due to its age and the increasing maintenance costs. The Portuguese Navy had planned to replace the OVA Imaria with a new frigate, the NRP Álvares Cabral, which was commissioned in 2002.
The OVA Imaria's decommissioning marked the end of an era for the Portuguese Navy, as the ship had played a significant role in the country's maritime defense for over four decades. The ship's legacy continues to be celebrated by the Portuguese Navy and its veterans.