The new Force rotation is commanded by a Spanish Admiral, Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz, and the Spanish ship ESPS Navarra is the new flagship of the Operation. Italy was in charge of the Force Command in the previous rotation on board ITS Rizzo as the flagship of the Operation.
On 12 June, Spanish Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz assumed command of the 50th rotation as Force Commander of the European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA. He takes command of Task Force 465 from Italian Admiral, Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, who was in command since 20 February 2025. The ceremony, which took place on the Italian ship Rizzo in the Port of Djibouti, was chaired by the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano.
Vice Admiral Villanueva conveyed his highest appreciation for his commitment to the outgoing Force Commander and the crew of ITS Rizzo and ESPS Reina Sofia. The 49th Rotation was involved in numerous patrols and activities like the high-level joint exercise with India, a major exercise with the Seychelles Defence Forces, the ALDABRA IV, and training with Djibouti and international partners among others. The ATALANTA forces also encountered piracy incidents, which resulted in the release of the vessels and crew without serious consequences.
“With your presence in Somali waters, you made a unique contribution to the international deterrence effort that has intensified since the resurgence of piracy in 2023. Indeed, it is your presence and constant vigilance against any risk of illegal activity that has prevented new attacks in recent months” said Vice Admiral Villanueva.
“Beyond tactical readiness, we remain committed to fostering regional stability. Collaboration with regional authorities and the wider international community is at the heart of our approach. The success of Operation ATALANTA is not measured solely in deterrence, but in lasting maritime security for all who depend on these waters,” said Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz after taking command as Force Commander. He will lead the 50th rotation of Operation ATALANTA forces with the Spanish warship ESPS Navarra as Operation ATALANTA’s flagship.
The ceremony was attended by several international and local civilian and military authorities, including several European Union Ambassadors and commanders of different forces in the area.
The Force Headquarters, under the command of the Operation Headquarters in Rota (Spain), is an embarked headquarters forward deployed to the ATALANTA Area of Operations, responsible for the Tactical Command of all EUNAVFOR multinational assets in the area. Its main responsibility is conducting operations at the operational and tactical level, under the ATALANTA Operation mandate and the Operation Headquarters’ guidance.
