Dear reader,
The maritime security situation in the Area of Operations remains a cause for concern. The crisis in the Red Sea, together with the multiple attempted assaults in the Somali Basin by suspected pirates on merchant ships and fishing boats, fuel instability in the whole region. These events demand maximum commitment and effort from forces, such as EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, working tirelessly to ensure freedom of navigation in these waters.
The eight currently active piracy cases, the numerous abductions of dhows presumably used as motherships, and the up to three active pirate groups in the Indian Ocean remain of the utmost concern to us.
The new Force Commander, Rear Admiral Francesco Saladino, to whom I wish every success, took up all these challenges on 11 February. I am convinced that with his dedication and experience we will be able to successfully accomplish our tasks. I would also like to warmly congratulate Commodore Rogério Martins de Brito for his exceptional work during these months as Force Commander. He has been an example of commitment and leadership.
Finally, cooperation with the new EU operation, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, will require much effort to coordinate our activities: two operations under the EU flag, with different tasks, but sharing large stretches of the area of operations. This EU maritime security effort demonstrates the EU's concern and commitment to stability and freedom of navigation in these waters of transcendental relevance to all world trade.
Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander
During the month of February four Piracy Situation Reports and up to eight Maritime Security Threat Updates have been published on the MSCHOA website. These reports are also promoted on EUNAVFOR ATALANTA's social media for a wider dissemination of information.
On 6 February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral Éric Dousson, paid a visit to the European Union Satellite Centre. He had the opportunity to discuss the Centre's ongoing support to the Operation through a wide range of geospatial analysis support.
On 7 February, the Director of Operations of the European Union Military Staff, Brigadier General Jean Philippe Leroux visited the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operational Headquarters at the Rota Naval Base, Spain.
During the visit, he was briefed on the tasks and mandate of the Operation. After the meeting, he had also the opportunity to visit the facilities and meet the Operational Headquarters personnel.
On 11 February 2023, EUNAVFOR Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Éric Dousson chaired the Force Commander handover ceremony on board the Spanish Frigate VICTORIA in the port of Djibouti. Italian Rear Admiral Francesco Saladino assumed responsibility over the 46th rotation as Force Commander of Operation ATALANTA. He succeeded Portuguese Commodore Rogério Paulo Figueira Martins de Brito who was in command since 3 December 2023. Several Djiboutian and international authorities attended the ceremony.
On 11 February, Operation ATALANTA welcomed the Italian destroyer ITS MARTINENGO as EUNAVFOR ATALANTA’s flagship. During the following months, MARTINENGO will contribute to providing maritime security in the Area of Operations as flagship of the 46th rotation of ATALANTA forces.
On 20 February, a passing exercise (PASSEX) between the Japanese warship JS AKEBONO and Operation ATALANTA’s flagship ITS MARTINENGO was conducted to improve interoperability and mutual understanding. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA works will all partners committed to maritime security in the Area of Operations.
On 21 February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Force Commander Saladino visited the Omani Southern Naval Base where he was received by Commander Tariq Al Abri.. Following the visit to the Naval Base, Commander Al Abri was on board the ATALANTA's flagship ITS MARTINENGO. They exchanged views on the regional security environment and on opportunities for future cooperation.
On 23 February, ESPS CANARIAS replaced ESPS VICTORIA before beginning her deployment in the Operation. The Spanish frigate joins the Italian destroyer MARTINENGO, the EUNAVFOR’s flagship, as a permanent asset of the Operation.
On 24 February, Operation ATALANTA forces conducted a training exercise with Djibouti Coast Guard personnel. These trainings contribute to strengthen the cooperation with a close partner of the Operation and to improve the effectiveness of local security forces, enhancing long-term stability in the region.
In February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA celebrated the Serbia Statehood Day and Lithuania Independence Day.
On 19 February, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Legal Advisor participated in Operation NORTHERN READINESS organised by the Combined Maritime Force (CMF) Task Force 154 that took place in the Royal Jordan Navy Force Base in Aqaba, Jordan. The EUNAVFOR representative supported the Legal Maritime Security framework workshop presenting the Operation ATALANTA perspective on this matter, challenges, and lessons learned.
On 18 February, Operation ATALANTA Liaison Officer Major Manzanos visited Madagascar to meet different EU and national authorities. His first visit was the Delegation of the European Union to Madagascar, where he met the Deputy Head of the Delegation Mr. Laurent D'Ersu. He presented the Operation's tasks, challenges, and way ahead.
In addition, he visited the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) and the Naval Base in Antsiranana. He presented an overview of ATALANTA and discussed how to boost synergies to improve maritime security.
During the month of February, two Spanish frigates, two Italian destroyers and two French destroyers took part in different support modalities to EUNAVFOR ATALANTA.