Operation Atalanta’s Force Commander, Commodore Rene Luyckx, recently visited the AMISOM marine unit at Mogadishu International Airport. The visit was one of a series made by the Commodore to regional partners who are working hard to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

During the visit, Commodore Luyckx was briefed on the important role of the marine unit to protect Mogadishu’s International Airport from any potential sea-borne threat.

Commodore Luyckx is based on board the EU Naval Force flagship, HNLMS Tromp, which is deployed in the Indian Ocean from her home port of Den Helder in the Netherlands as part of the European Union’s commitment to deter piracy off the coast of Somalia and ensure seafarers and their vessels reach port safely.

Commodore Luyckx is pictured with members of the AMISOM marine unit.