As the changeover of EU NAVFOR’s force headquarters approaches, Force Commander, Rear Admiral Rafael Fernández-Pintado Muñoz-Rojas, took time out to thank key members of his Force HQ staff for their outstanding support and dedication as they prepare to depart ESPS Galicia in the coming weeks.
Colonel Tom Blythe Royal Marines has been the Force Commander’s Chief of Staff and right-hand man aboard ESPS Galicia for the past four months. Lieutenant Commander Rodrigo Rodríguez-Kabana Parras Spanish Navy and Lieutenant Antonio Piacente Italian Navy have also played key Force HQ roles.
During a gathering held on board ESPS Galicia, the Force Commander stated:
“During the past four months EU NAVFOR’s 25th multinational rotation has faced a number of remarkable events and challenges as it conducted counter-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia. What is clear to me is that I could not have faced these challenges properly without the continuous and outstanding support of my key Force HQ staff. With these briefs words I want to say farewell to three particular staff officers who have been at my side since the beginning. I want to formally recognise their professionalism, loyalty, initiative, understanding and cooperation as we shared challenging experiences at sea far away from our respective navies, friends and families. Maybe to some, it could seem easy to achieve, but we know it is not. Tom, Rodrigo and Antonio – I want to thank you personally for your daily support and full time commitment over these last months! BZ."
Colonel Tom Blythe Royal Marines has been the Force Commander’s Chief of Staff and right-hand man aboard ESPS Galicia for the past four months. Lieutenant Commander Rodrigo Rodríguez-Kabana Parras Spanish Navy and Lieutenant Antonio Piacente Italian Navy have also played key Force HQ roles.
During a gathering held on board ESPS Galicia, the Force Commander stated:
“During the past four months EU NAVFOR’s 25th multinational rotation has faced a number of remarkable events and challenges as it conducted counter-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia. What is clear to me is that I could not have faced these challenges properly without the continuous and outstanding support of my key Force HQ staff. With these briefs words I want to say farewell to three particular staff officers who have been at my side since the beginning. I want to formally recognise their professionalism, loyalty, initiative, understanding and cooperation as we shared challenging experiences at sea far away from our respective navies, friends and families. Maybe to some, it could seem easy to achieve, but we know it is not. Tom, Rodrigo and Antonio – I want to thank you personally for your daily support and full time commitment over these last months! BZ."