On 16 July 2016, the Chief of Staff (COS) of the Djiboutian Air Force, Major Ismail Abdigani Mahamad visited the Spanish Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) Detachment. He flew on a mission in support of Operation Atalanta aboard the Spanish P-3 to gain insight into the work of the crews and their vital contribution to the Operation’s work in deterring pirates off the Somali coast.
The visit further strengthened the already close partnership between EU NAVFOR Somalia and the Djiboutian military authorities and the Commanding Officer of the Spanish MPRA, Spanish Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Saiz, thanked Major Abdigani for the support provided to the counter-piracy Operation.
During the visit, Major Abdigani also took the opportunity to have talks with Op Atalanta’s COS, Colonel Richard Cantrill, who was in Djibouti visiting the Spanish Detachment following his recent posting to the Operational Headquarters.
The MPRA conducts important work for the Operation, flying regular missions over the Somali coastline, on the lookout for pirate activity to ensure the seas are kept safe for all seafarers.