In the framework of the visit of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the European Union to Djibouti and Ethiopia, the delegation led by the Chair of the PSC, H.E Lene Mandel Vensild visited Operation ATALANTA’s flagship, the Spanish frigate ESPS Santa María moored in the port of Djibouti on the 03 of November.
The delegation was composed by Ambassadors of the European Countries together with representation from the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) as well. The EU Ambassador to Djibouti, H.E Denisa-Elena Ionete was also present during the meeting. From ATALANTA side, the Operation Commander Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano was leading the delegation together with the Force Commander, Commodore José Rodrigues Pedra.
The visit provided the PSC delegation with an opportunity to gain insight into EUNAVFOR ATALANTA's mission, command structure, operational activities and capabilities, and the contribution of the flagship and her embarked assets to the execution of the operation's mandate.
The visit also included a counter-piracy exercise linked with the Operation Headquarters in Rota and a static display of forces. The exercise focused on how the coordination for a counterpiracy action plays out when Operation ATALANTA is involved in the action.
The static display on the flight deck included the embarked Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, the ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), personnel from the D-4 ORION detachment - the CASA CN-235 VIGMA Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA), as well as a display of the Special Operations Maritime Task Unit (SOMTU) capabilities. Before leaving the Chair of the PSC, H.E Lene Mandel Vensild signed the Ship's Book of Honour.
Operation ATALANTA’s work
Operation ATALANTA continues providing maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, safeguarding international trade, providing regional stability and projecting the EU interests and values while being embedded in the regional maritime architecture.
Since November 2023, 79 pirate related events have taken place with one still ongoing in the Somalia Basin. Since inception, ATALANTA has protected more than 2515 World Food Programme vessels and 177 pirates have been transferred to competent authorities.
