The Aircraft Flotilla was recognized for their outstanding work in support of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA
Rota, 27 October 2023 - The Commander of Operation EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, Vice Admiral José María Núñez Torrente, awarded the Aircraft Flotilla (FLOAN) of the Spanish Navy “Armada” with the Emblem of the Operation, on the occasion of the prolonged and successful participation of its personnel and aircrafts in the operation. Currently, Captain José Emilio Regodón Gómez is in command of the FLOAN. The ceremony took place at the FLOAN facilities, at the Rota Naval Base, and was attended by a large representation of the Operation ATALANTA Headquarters, as well as FLOAN Squadron Leaders and a large representation of pilots and FLOAN flight crews.
The Aircraft Flotilla has participated in the operation since the incorporation of the first Spanish frigate in 2009. During all these years it has participated in the operation, deploying aboard Spanish F-80 class frigates, maritime action ships (BAM), Galicia and Castilla amphibious ships and Patiño and Cantabria supply ships for the combat. Furthermore, it has deployed helicopters from the 10th (SH-60B 'Seahawk'), the 5th (SH-3D) and 3rd Squadron (AB-212), in addition to the ScanEagle-type unmanned aerial vehicles of the 11th Squadron. Additionally, the planes of the 4th Squadron have also provided logistical support to the Operation when necessary. Currently, the FLOAN has an Air Unit Embarked on the frigate "VICTORIA", made up of personnel and aircraft from the 3rd and 11th Squadrons, and they are sailing through the waters of the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean.
As relevant data on the participation of the Aircraft Flotilla in Operation ATALANTA, a total of 45 Embarked Air Units (UNAEMBs) have deployed in the area of operations with more than 5,900 days on mission and more than 8,100 flight hours.
During the ceremony, the Commander of Operation ATALANTA expressed his gratitude to the pilots, flight crews and maintenance and support personnel of the FLOAN for their prolonged and effective effort: “Thanks to your efforts throughout these 15 years of Operation, Spain and the EU have been able to contribute their grain of sand to preserve Peace, ensure freedom of navigation and increase maritime security in an area of vital importance for global maritime traffic and for our interests.”
This is the third Emblem of Operation EUNAVFOR ATALANTA that the Operation Commander delivers to units that have been part of Operation ATALANTA in a prolonged and notable manner. The two previous occasions were: on 13 January 2023, the first emblem was delivered to the 22nd Group of the Spanish Air and Space Force, at the Morón Air Base (Seville) and on 4 May 2023, the second emblem was delivered to the 41st Escort Squadron of the Spanish Navy “Armada”.
