On the afternoon 18 January, General Hakan Syren, the chairman of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) visited EU NAVFOR’s Headquarters in Northwood, near London.

The General was received by Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, Operational Commander of EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta. His visit included a presentation on the operation and EU NAVFOR’s part in the fight against piracy, and also a visit to the Joint Operations Centre which includes the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA). He had discussions with several of the international staff who works in the OHQ who are appointed from many EU Member states. General Syren also visited the site of the newly built OHQ due to be opened in early February.

The General was impressed with the progress of Operation Atalanta and stated: “I very much enjoyed my tour of EU NAVFOR’s Operational Headquarters and was extremely impressed with the professionalism and cooperation of so many participating EU Member States military personnel, as well as the close working relationship with representatives of the civilian maritime organisations. Operation Atalanta has achieved a great deal in its first year and there is every indication from what I have seen that the second year will be as successful if not more so”