On 30 September a team from EUCAP Nestor, led by the recently appointed Head of Mission, Maria-Cristina Stepanescu, paid a visit to the Operation Atalanta flagship, HNLMS Tromp.
Maritime training is a key component of the partnership between Op Atalanta and EUCAP Nestor staff, so the visit was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate HNLMS Tromp’s impressive capabilities to the EUCAP Nestor delegation, including first aid.
Joined by representatives from the Somali Coastguard and the Maritime Police Unit, fruitful discussions were held that served to strengthen cooperation and pave the way for training of Somali maritime forces in the future.
Op Atalanta’s Force Commander, Rear Admiral Luyckx said: “The meeting was very useful, with EUCAP Nestor colleagues being briefed on how Op Atalanta warships can support them in training the Somali Coast Guard, the Maritime Police Unit and other organisations.”
EUCAP Nestor works closely with Op Atalanta staff as part of the EU’s Comprehensive approach to Somalia and wider Horn of Africa, with the aiming of enhancing regional maritime capabilities to help ensure that piracy remains suppressed in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.