EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

On Thursday 3 December 2015, German warship, FGS Erfurt, welcomed on board Operation Atalanta’s Force Commander, Rear Admiral Stefano Barbieri.

This was the first visit by the Force Commander to FGS Erfurt.  He was welcomed on board by the ship’s commanding officer, Commander Robert Schmidt.

During the visit they discussed the on-going counter-piracy operation, maritime patterns of life and FGS Erfurt’s successful escort of WFP vessel, MV Eleni K.

Commander Schmidt also discussed the recent maritime training conducted with the Somaliland Coast Guard near Berbera.

Visits to Operation Atalanta warships enables the Force Commander to strengthen relationships and gain a better understanding of the force’s capabilities to fight piracy off the coast of Somalia.