Air operations are crucial in the mission to deter piracy in the waters off the Horn of Africa. Long range and continuous surveillance can help detect suspicious activity early. Working together with partner countries in Djibouti can help the distribution of information and multiply the use of people and resources.

EU NAVFOR personnel with the Orion MPRA (Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft) detachment recently attended the anniversary ceremony of the Japanese opening of their military base in Djibouti.

From this base, the Japanese Lockheed P-3 Orion shares the mission with the EU NAVFOR Spanish and German detachments to provide security on the sea routes of the Horn of Africa, which are constantly at risk from Somali piracy. They continuously work together to share expertise and best practices.

The celebrations started with a parade and then numerous Japanese cultural performances, such as origami making, traditional dancing and a Mochi pounding ceremony. This is where rice is crushed using mallets. In Japanese culture, the rice symbolizes a human soul and pounded Mochi represents millions of souls. Therefore, when people crush the rice, each person can reflect on the blessings they have.

Working together and sharing each other’s cultures is a significant part of the process in creating a strong unified force, EU NAVFOR continues to work with partner nations in order to protect the waters off the Horn of Africa.