On Monday 26 January, the EU Naval Force Flagship, ITS Andrea Doria, and the Japanese warship JS Harusame met at sea in the Gulf of Aden. On board the Flagship, the Force Commander of the EU Naval Force, Rear Admiral Guido Rando, hosted the Commander of Escort Division 2, Captain Masatoshi Kashihara, and a representative from his staff.
The Force Commander’s Chief of staff, Captain Luca Ceccobelli, delivered a briefing on the results achieved by EU Naval Force in cooperation with the other counter-piracy stakeholders and the current situation in the Area of Operation. Also briefed were the successful Local Maritime Capacity Building (LMCB) activities carried out in regional states; the aim of these activities is to contribute to the development of law enforcement and maritime security capabilities.
“Further strengthening cooperation with all counter-piracy forces operating in the Horn of Africa region is the key of enduring success in fighting the scourge of piracy” commented Rear Admiral Rando during the meeting. Captain Kashihara appreciated the level of coordination achieved between counter piracy coalitions and independent forces, underlining that improved cooperation in the counter-piracy effort is the best way to accomplish the counter-piracy mission and guarantee freedom and security of navigation in the area.
After the briefing and refreshments, the Commanding Officer of ITS Andrea Doria, Captain Angelo Virdis, gave Captain Kashihara and the Japanese delegation a tour of the Flagship.