During a visit to Djibouti this week, the Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force, Rear Admiral Tarrant, visited German and Spanish Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) crews based there as well as the team from Support Element Atalanta (SEA).

Speaking directly to the MPRA crews, the Admiral stated “Your achievements are testament to the fact that we continue to protect vulnerable shipping and deter and disrupt piracy off the coast of Somalia. The pirate business model is fractured, not broken. Our common goal is to maintain pressure on the pirates.”

During his visit Rear Admiral Tarrant was also invited to attend a Common Security and Defence Policy Service medal parade for 18 staff members of EUCAP Nestor. The medals were awarded by the Head of Mission of EUCAP Nestor, Etienne de Poncins, the Ambassador of the EU Delegation in Djibouti, Joseph Silva and Rear Admiral Tarrant.