Last week the Spanish Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) Detachment held a medal ceremony in Djibouti.

The Detachment Commander, Spanish Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Santiago Ibarreta, presided over the ceremony which marks the end of the current contingent’s four-month deployment with Operation Atalanta off the coast of Somalia.

Lieutenant Colonel Ibarreta congratulated the aircrew for their outstanding performance, dedication and role with Operation Atalanta and wished them a safe trip home to their families.

The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Atalanta Service Medal is an European military decoration awarded to personnel who have served on the European Union Naval Force Somalia. It recognises their commitment to the counter-piracy operation in the Indian Ocean and their valuable contribution to enhancing maritime security in the region.