On 6th August, the Portuguese Frigate NRP Álvares Cabral completed her duties as EU Naval Force Flagship, whilst alongside in Djibouti, transferring the command of the European Union Naval Force to HNLMS Johan de Whitt.
For the previous 4 months, EU Naval Force was led by the Portuguese command, under the directions of Commodore Jorge Novo Palma on board NRP Álvares Cabral. In the 122 days spent at sea, NRP Álvares Cabral has sailed all across the Indian Ocean, actively patrolling its busy waters raising awareness through the seafaring community, as well as key regional states
Besides being the afloat command and control platform for EU Naval Force, its main tasks as a warship ranged from intelligence gathering missions, in conjunction with its helicopter, patrolling 36 days the International Recommended Traffic Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden to provide assistance to merchant vessels in distress where required as well as in performing friendly approaches on skiffs and dhows throughout the area.
NRP Álvares Cabral has provided vital support to EU Naval Force engagements including the first Port Visit to Pemba in Mozambique by an EU Naval Force ship, and the hosting of Senior EU and Somali Federal Government officials off the cost of Mogadishu.
The Portuguese Frigate Álvares Cabral is commanded by Captain Nuno Sobral Domingues, with a crew of 187 sailors, an organic helicopter Lynx MK95 and one marine boarding team, and is scheduled to arrive at Lisbon Naval Base on the 21st August.