Operation Atalanta’s Force Commander and European Ambassadors Reinforce Need for Vigilance Against Piracy Threat During Port Visit to Tanzania

Apr 11, 2017 - 11:04
On Sunday 9 April 2017 Operation Atalanta’s flagship, ESPS Galicia, hosted seven European ambassadors to Tanzania during a port visit to Dar Es Salaam.

After welcoming the ambassadors on board, Force Commander, Rear Admiral Rafael Fernández-Pintado Muñoz-Rojas, gave an update on the recent piracy incidents at sea off the coast of Somalia and the EU Naval Force’s role to deter attacks against ships, including the vessels of the World Food Programme that carry humanitarian aid to Somalia

During the visit, the ambassadors were given a tour of ESPS Galicia and introduced to members of the ship’s company.  The ambassadors were also given a briefing on ESPS Galicia’s capabilities, including their embarked Sea King helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, Scan Eagle.  These impressive assets enable the Force Commander to conduct air surveillance at sea and along the coast of Somalia.

The Force Commander expressed his gratitude to the Ambassadors for taking time to visit ESPS Galicia and he thanked the Tanzania authorities for their continued cooperation with Operation Atalanta that is helping to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Aden.

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