On 16th September, Operation ATALANTA Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, visited the Europol Headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, to sign a Working Arrangement with Europol that establishes a framework for cooperation between ATALANTA and Europol.
At the Headquarters, he was received by Ms. Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director of Europol, who signed the document on behalf of the agency. This Working Arrangement is a step forward in enhancing cooperation with Europol. More specifically, it provides for the exchange of information, the designation of contact points, and regular meetings to review implementation.
“ATALANTA stands prepared to offer support and assistance to Europol, within the means and capabilities of the Operation” said Vice Admiral Villanueva. This Working Arrangement underlines the relevance of strengthening cooperation with EU agencies such as Europol to make maritime security efforts more effective.
On 18th September, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano held a first meeting with H.E. Francesca Di Mauro, the recently accredited Head of the European Union Delegation to the Federal Republic of Somalia.
They exchanged views on the situation in the Western Indian Ocean, the EU approach in the region and ATALANTA's main tasks supporting maritime security. The Operation Commander briefed the EU Ambassador on ATALANTA’s priorities related to Somalia.
From 1 to 8 September, Operation ATALANTA deepened its ties with the Seychelles Defence Forces during the port visit of ESPS NAVARRA to Victoria. A number of training units were carried out with members of the Seychelles Coast Guard.
In addition, Operation ATALANTA Force Commander, Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz, had the opportunity to meet with the Chief of Seychelles Defence Forces, Major General Michael Rosette, and the Commander of the Seychelles Coast Guard, Lieutenant Colonel David Arrisol.
Afterwards, he paid a visit to the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC), part of the maritime security architecture in the region, in which ATALANTA’s Maritime Security Centre - Indian Ocean (MSCIO) is fully integrated.
All activities aim at enhancing the relationship with Seychelles, and to boost cooperation to improve maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.
On 4th September, during the port call in Victoria, Seychelles, Operation ATALANTA’s flagship ESPS NAVARRA conducted different activities with the Indian Navy ships INS TIR, INS SHARDUL, and ICGS SARATHI, belonging to the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron.
The Force Commander of Operation ATALANTA, Rear Admiral Vázquez Sanz, accompanied by the Commander of ESPS NAVARRA, paid a visit to the Commander of the Indian Naval Group, Captain Tijo K. Joseph. Representing the Operation Commander, the Admiral expressed Operation ATALANTA’s willingness to continue strengthening the ongoing cooperation with the Indian Navy, with whom it shares strategic objectives in the Western Indian Ocean. They highlighted the importance of joint training at sea, with the aim of increasing the coordination and interoperability between ATALANTA and Indian Navy.
The Indian Navy cadets were briefed on Operation ATALANTA structure, tasks, and main activities providing them with valuable insights.
Finally, a delegation of Indian Navy cadets visited ESPS NAVARRA. During the visit, they explored its systems and capabilities, including the SH60B helicopter and the Scan Eagle drone, both essential for fulfilling the mandate in the Western Indian Ocean.
On 15th September, the Maritime Surveillance Aircraft D4 VIGMA of the Orion Detachment has successfully completed its first Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) flight for the 56th rotation.
Located in Djibouti, and equipped with electronic detection equipment, the aircraft's crew is able to cover a large area in the Area of Operations, contributing to maritime situational awareness from the sky.
On 22nd September, Operation ATALANTA's flagship, ESPS NAVARRA, supported EUCAP Somalia and trained members of the Somali Police Coast Guard.
The exercise that took place on board the frigate focused on first aid, boarding and inspection techniques, delivered by the specialised team.
On 28th September, EU Heads of Mission to Oman and several Omani representatives paid a visit to the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA flagship ESPS NAVARRA during her port visit to Salalah, Oman.
The gathering on board highlighted Operation ATALANTA's role as EU naval diplomacy tool in the Area of Operations, facilitating bilateral discussions and presenting the EU objectives regarding maritime security in the region.
On 30th September, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA ORION detachment and the ESPS MENDEZ NUÑEZ visited each other during Spanish warship’s port visit to Djibouti. ESPS MENDEZ NUÑEZ operated in Associated Support to ATALANTA from the 15th to the 22nd of September.
Personnel from both assets were able to learn about the warship and aircraft, meet their counterparts, strengthening ties and sharing experiences.
In September, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA social media and website promoted the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) weekly report. MSCIO's robust risk assessment process identifies particularly vulnerable vessels and coordinates appropriate protective measures, leveraging its collaboration with international forces and stakeholders in the region.
The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean stands as a testament to the European Union's commitment to maritime security, industry cooperation, and the collective effort to uphold the freedom of navigation.
From 1 to 4 September, Operation ATALANTA participated in the inaugural Workshop on the Establishment of Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) Working Group 3 on Operational Cooperation and Coordination at Sea.
The workshop was held in Mombasa, Kenya, and ATALANTA representatives took part in the meeting and participated in one of the panels, presenting a best practice case on conducting joint international operations to combat illicit maritime activities.
Meetings with regional and international partners who share common interests are key to improving the work conducted in the Area of Operations.
On 2nd September, the Operation Commander warmly welcomed Cyprus Ambassador to Spain, H.E. Michalis Ioannou to the OHQ. The visit was part of the Ambassador’s tour to meet relevant civilian and military authorities in Spain. He had the opportunity to learn about the Operation and meet the Cyprus Armed Forces personnel posted at the ATALANTA Headquarters.
On 3rd October, cadets of the 2nd class of the Italian Naval Academy visited the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA OHQ, in Rota (Spain). The cadets are embarked on board ITS SAN GIUSTO and during her stop in Rota, they took the opportunity to visit the Headquarters.
Operation ATALANTA’s Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral Paolo Fantoni, welcomed the cadets to the Operation Headquarters and provided them with an overview of the operation's tasks.
The group was led by the Commanding Officer of ITS SANGIUSTO, Captain Salvatore D’Avena, together with his replacement, Captain Federico Dell’Agnolo, who paid a visit to the Operation Commander and exchanged souvenirs.
Italy is one of the 20 nations providing personnel and assets to EUNAVFOR ATALANTA.
During the first weeks of September, Operation ATALANTA’s representative participated in the Search and Rescue (SAR) Mission Coordinators course to Somali maritime officers.
A two-week course organized by EUCAP Somalia along with the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) and ATALANTA.
The main goals of the course are to strengthen SAR readiness, align procedures with International Maritime Organization standards, embed human rights and legal frameworks, and enable drafting Somalia’s national SAR plan.
ATALANTA’s representative presented, along with the UNTMIS Senior Military Maritime Adviser, the Western Indian Ocean maritime security architecture compilation chart developed by Operation ATALANTA Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) to the different Somali institutions that took part of the course.
On 15th September, Operation ATALANTA Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral Paolo Fantoni, attended the handover ceremony of European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR) change of command o/b NRP D. Francisco de Almeida. Vice Admiral José Rafael Salvado de Figueiredo, Marinha Portuguesa, took command from Vice Admiral Aurelio de Carolis, Marina Militare.
EUROMARFOR was created in 1995, after the governments of France, Italy, Portugal and Spain expressed their intention to establish a Multinational Maritime Force, following a review of the European Union's structure, which sought to adapt to changing international circumstances by redefining the missions that could be undertaken, and identifying the forces needed to carry them out.
ATALANTA welcomed the offer to appoint the FCDR of 50th Rotation as COMGRUEUROMARFOR, flying his flag on the mast of ESPS NAVARRA.
On 16th September, during the port visit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Spanish Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Paloma Serra Robles, visited EUNAVFOR ATALANTA’s flagship ESPS NAVARRA.
She was welcomed by the Operation ATALANTA’s Force Commander, Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz. After the reception, she toured the ship, where she had the opportunity to meet the crewmembers and learn about the capabilities and means available on board to fulfil their mission.
On 17th September, ATALANTA’s Chief of Staff, Captain Fernando García Rodríguez participated in the IV Seminar on Naval History at CEU San Pablo University, Madrid.
The Chief of Staff presented an overview of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and the most recent cases of piracy in which the Operation's forces took action.
On 19th September, Operation Commander participated in the conference series The Armada, that great unknown, in Melilla, Spain. The conference is jointly organized by the Royal Maritime Club of Melilla and the Naval Command.
He presented the conference Operation ATALANTA, a tool for the EU's presence in the Indian Ocean: challenges and priorities of the Commander. Conferences like this allow Operation ATALANTA to be presented to a very broad and varied audience, explaining the tasks, successes and challenges faced by the Operation in the complex area of operations.
On 25th September, Operation ATALANTA celebrated the World Maritime Day, reinforcing our commitment to maritime security and support for merchant vessels transiting through the area of operations.
Operating for more than 16 years, this EU operation contributes to maritime security in the North Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.