Earlier today eleven journalists from Japan visited the EU Naval Force Operational Headquarters in Northwood, UK.  During the visit the journalists were given a briefing on the European Union’s counter-piracy Operation Atalanta and the successful cooperation at sea between the EU Naval Force and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Forces.  Both forces are operating in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean to help deter and disrupt piracy and protect merchant ships from pirate attack.

The Japanese journalists were given the opportunity to meet the Operation Commander, Major General Martin Smith and the Deputy Operation Commander, Rear Admiral Paulo Pezzutti, and ask questions about the piracy situation off the coast of Somalia.

Before the journalists departed the Operational Headquarters, they were given a tour of the Joint Operations Room and given a briefing on the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa) and its close cooperation and coordination with the Maritime Industry.