Djibouti, December 2nd, 2022 — On Friday, the Operation Commander (OPCDR) of the European Union Naval Force Operation ATALANTA, Vice Admiral (VADM) José María Nuñez Torrente chaired the Force Headquarters (FHQ) Change of Command ceremony held on board of ATALANTA’s flagship, ESPS Santa María. Portuguese Commodore Nuno Filipe Cortes Lopes relieved his compatriot Commodore Rui Miguel Marcelo Correia.
The 41st rotation, led by Commodore Rui Miguel Marcelo Correia has completed a successful deployment, countering piracy, providing security to the World Food Program (WFP), and keeping the Western Indian Ocean safe and secure. During his command, the European Union High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell paid a visit to the FHQ. In addition, different joint activities at sea were conducted with, among others, India, Indonesia, Japan or Republic of Korea, as well as other relevant cooperation with Seychelles and Djibouti.
The Operation Commander thanked outgoing Commodore Miguel Marcelo Correia, in command since 4 August, for his leadership, and congratulated the 41st rotation for their efforts as “the objectives of your mission have been fully accomplished”. Furthermore, he took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the crew of the previous flagship, the frigate Numancia, which had to extend its stay in the area of operations to ensure the success of the Operation. Finally, he welcomed Commodore Nuno Filipe Cortes Lopes, wishing him good luck and success.
The 42nd rotation of Operation Atalanta FHQ staff is composed by five different nations: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Colombia and Djibouti. ESPS Santa Maria will serve during this rotation as flagship of Operation Atalanta
The FHQ, under command of the Operation Headquarters (OHQ) in Rota (Spain), is an embarked headquarter forward deployed to Atalanta’s Area of Operation, responsible for the Tactical Command of all EUNAVFOR multinational assets in the area. Its main responsibility is the conduction of operations at operational and tactical level, in accordance with the Atalanta Operation mandate and under OHQ guidance.
