On 30th September 2016, 190 days after joining Operation Atalanta, Italian frigate, ITS Euro, has said goodbye to the EU’s counter-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia.

As well as carrying out a number of counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, and visiting Somali fishermen at sea, she also provided support to EU sister mission, EUCAP Nestor, by providing maritime training to regional states. ITS Euro also visited a number of ports during her deployment, including Tanzania, where some of her sailors visited a local school and donated toys, food and medicine.

Prior to the Italian warship starting her long journey home to her base port of Taranto, Operation Atalanta’s Force commander, Commodore René Luyckx, visited the commanding officer, Commander Giuseppe Aletta and his crew and thanked them for their outstanding efforts, that have helped to ensure that piracy remains suppressed off the Somali coast and seafarers safe.

ITS Euro will arrive back in Italy in early October, with her crew enjoying some well-earned relaxation with their families.