EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

The Spanish Orion Air Contingent XXVII, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Arozamena Sanz, has completed a successful four month tour with Operation Atalanta off the coast of Somalia.

During a ceremony held at their current base in Djibouti, the contingent handed over their duties to Detachment XXVIII, commanded by Lieutenant t. Colonel Bayardo Abós.

The ceremony was presided over by Colonel Carlos Ysasi-Ysasmendi, Commander of Moron AB and 11th Wing.  During the ceremony he congratulated all out going personnel for their achievement during what has been a very busy tour of duty.

The Spanish Air Force Contingent has been permanently detached to Djibouti since 2008.  Its role is to carry out aerial surveillance at sea and along the Somali coast in support of the European Union’s counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa.

Aerial imagery captured by Operation Atalanta’s maritime aircraft provides the Force Commander up-to-date information that enables him to make informed decisions about the likely piracy threat, and importantly, action required to counter it to ensure seafarers stay safe.