Dear reader,
Although the summer season coincides with the start of the monsoon season, I wish to call on all those involved in maritime security not to let their guard down. ATALANTA has endeavoured to perpetuate this state of mind in recent weeks, maintaining its commitment to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean, on the seas and beyond.
ATALANTA’s warship continued its patrols in the area of operation, focusing on areas most at risk for maritime crime. Thanks to the permanent presence of ATALANTA's resources, we are making a decisive contribution to reducing maritime incidents in this highly strategic area. An activity that is the best evidence of our robust and resolute commitment to ensuring and even enhancing maritime security, tirelessly combating the threat of piracy.
I was very proud to bring this commitment to the European Union Military Committee during a presentation of the Operation’s achievements over the past 6 months. I was able to highlight all the activities and challenges we have faced in recent weeks. Once again, they demonstrate the ability of ATALANTA’s people to adapt to a very demanding and complex environment.
In addition, during his visit to Djibouti, the HR/VP Josep Borrell paid a visit to our logistics facility, the ATALANTA Support Element in Djibouti. This visit was a testimony to the crucial role of ATALANTA in the EU’s efforts to strengthen its position of a global provider of maritime security.
During the Maritime Security Symposium in Djibouti, hosted by the Delegation of the European Union, I had the opportunity to address the attendees highlighting the relevance of Djibouti for the Operation.
Finally, I would like to emphasise the handover of one of the key positions in my staff. My deputy, Rear Admiral Éric Dousson, has handed over his responsibilities to Rear Admiral Domenico Guglielmi. I am deeply grateful to Rear Admiral Dousson for his support and efforts during this extraordinarily intense period and I am convinced that our current Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral Guglielmi, will maintain these efforts during his tour at this OHQ. All together we will ensure that ATALANTA remains the benchmark for maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.
Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander
During the month of July, three bulletins on the piracy threat in the Western Indian Ocean issued on the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) website were promoted on EUNAVFOR ATALANTA's social media accounts for wider dissemination of information. This updated version includes infographic data, a list of cases and the assessment of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA.
On 4 July, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA Commander Vice Admiral Villanueva participated in the Symposium on Maritime Security. The Symposium brought together representatives of the Djiboutian national authorities and like-minded partners, including regional and international organisations. Exploring avenues for enhancing maritime safety were at the heart of the discussions today.
"Ensuring the security of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden requires a holistic and sustainable approach. ATALANTA is committed to continuing the work already established with the region and directly with Djibouti and is willing to enhance it" highlighted Vice Admiral Villanueva in his speech.
ATALANTA Operation Commander also chaired one of the panels, which looked at sustainable solutions to the maritime threats in the area, and faced by Djibouti.
During the visit of High Representative Borrell to Djibouti, ATALANTA Operation Commander accompanied the EU Delegation to present the Support Element Team of ATALANTA, discussing on the challenges faced by this crucial logistical hub for the Operation.
The HR/VP also had the opportunity to visit the ORION detachment of Operation ATALANTA where the Operation Commander briefed him about the role of the air asset in supporting maritime security.
In July, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA Commander Vice Admiral Villanueva presented the Six Months Report to the EU Military Committee in Brussels. This regular meeting allowed the Operation Commander to present to the most relevant EU military authorities the achievements, activities and challenges of the operation during the past six months.
The Operation Commander also had the opportunity to attend the Political and Security Committee meeting held on the same day, where relevant EU security and defence issues were discussed. ATALANTA plays a key role in the EU maritime external action in the Indian Ocean, being a crucial EU maritime diplomacy tool in the region.
Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Domenico Guglielmi (Italy) took over as Deputy Commander of Operation ATALANTA from Rear Admiral Éric Dousson (France), who held the deputy command for the past six months. The event took place at the Operation Headquarters of the Operation in Rota.
The Operation Commander Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano thanked Deputy Commander Éric Dousson for his outstanding contribution, commitment and friendship and expressed his best wishes for his professional and personal life. In addition, Vice Admiral Villanueva warmly welcomed Rear Admiral Domenico Guglielmi as the new Deputy Commander, highlighting his extraordinary experience and outstanding professional skills.
On 2 July, Operation ATALANTA Force Commander Rear Admiral Alvargonzalez welcomed a delegation from the Puntland Police Force (PPF) led by Lieutenant Colonel Zakariye Caddiraxman (representing Commissioner Brigadier General Mumin Abdi Shire) on board the EUNAVFOR flagship ESPS NUMANCIA in the vicinity of Bosasso (Puntland, Somalia).
During the encounter, the main focus was the collaboration between the Puntland Police forces and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA to address piracy, illegal fishing and other maritime threats.
"This meeting is crucial for securing maritime jurisdiction," said Lieutenant Colonel Zakariye. "We appreciate EUNAVFOR's support in combating maritime crime, and the opportunity to discuss Operation ATALANTA's current mandate and the evolving threat environment."
“I look forward to continuing the joint effort between the Puntland Police and EUNAVFOR and support you to combat piracy and improve maritime security in Puntland” Force Commander Rear Admiral Alvargonzalez concluded.
Also, on 2 July, Operation ATALANTA Force Commander Rear Admiral Alvargonzalez met the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) Deputy Director General Mr. Maxamuud Silal Omar together with senior PMPF officers on board the EUNAVFOR flagship ESPS NUMANCIA.
The Force Commander and the PMPF Deputy Director General discussed the cooperation between the two sides, addressing activities against pirates, illegal fishing and other threats that hamper security and stability.
Finally, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA and the PMPF representatives agreed to maintain the Maritime Security Information operations and cooperation, in order to prevent and deter early offshore actions of pirates.
On 18 July, the Spanish Ambassador to Oman visited ATALANTA flagship ESPS NUMANCIA. Force Commander, Rear Admiral Alvargonzález received H.E. Francisco Javier de Istúriz Simonet. During his visit, he was briefed about the ATALANTA achievements, activities and current challenges faced. Also, he had the opportunity to meet the crew and thank them their effort and professionalism.
Operation ATALANTA flagship ESPS NUMANCIA supported a merchant vessel in distress in the Somali basin. The EUNAVFOR warship provided security while the vessel was being fixed due to a technical problem. These actions are part of ATALANTA core mission as a maritime security provider in the Western Indian Ocean.
On 30 July, Operation ATALANTA Force Commander, Rear Admiral Alvargonzález paid a visit to the Commandant of the Port of Djibouti, Captain Mohamed Moussa Abar.
Djibouti is a crucial partner in counter-piracy and logistic support to ATALANTA. Regular meetings between ATALANTA representatives and the relevant Djiboutian authorities are essential to maintain these close ties and enhance relations and mutual support.
On 31 July, a delegation from the Combined Maritime Force/Task Force - 151 asset ROKS WANGGEON led by the Commanding Officer visited the Operation ATALANTA flagship ESPS NUMANCIA. The delegation was welcomed by the ATALANTA Force Commander, Rear Admiral Alvargonzález and they were briefed on the main tasks, recent activities developed and challenges faced by the Operation.
Both forces maintain a fruitful and robust partnership in their fight against piracy in the Western Indian Ocean. In addition, the Republic of Korea is one of the contributing nations to ATALANTA, with a South Korean officer being part of the FHQ crew on board the EUNAVFOR flagship.
On 31 July, personnel from the ATALANTA flagship ESPS NUMANCIA conducted a new capability enhancement exercise with the Djibouti Coast Guard and Djibouti Navy personnel. The exercises were on damage control, maneuvering, first aid and SAR, among others.
These activities are developed on a regular basis, within the framework of the close cooperation and strong partnership between ATALANTA and Djibouti forces.
On 8 July, the Head of Unit Meeting between Operation ATALANTA and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) took place focusing on reviewing the ongoing cooperation and operational coordination between the two entities.
Both parties highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and collaboration to enhance maritime security operations.
