September 2012

Rear Admiral Duncan Potts, Operation Commander of the European Union Naval Force Operation Atalanta (EU NAVFOR) met on 18 September 2012 with President James Michel during his visit to the Seychelles, confirming the importance of the Seychelles in the fight against pi

On 10 September EU NAVFOR Force Commander, Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino, visited French frigate La Fayette. La Fayette has been part of the European Union Counter Piracy force – Operation Atalanta off the Horn of Africa since 31 July 2012.

On Saturday 8 September, Spanish warship ESPS Relámpago, currently operating as part of the EU Naval Force - Operation ATALANTA, fighting piracy off the Somali Coast, rescued 68 people after finding them adrift in a small boat in the middle of the Gulf of Aden.

The Northwood Headquarters of the European Union Naval Force Somalia - Operation Atalanta welcomed the Swedish Minister of Defence HE Karin Enstrom for a visit on Thursday 06 September.

During a visit by the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) flagship to Salalah, Oman on 1 September 2012, the Force Commander - Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino, met a number of important representatives from the local authorities.

European Union Naval Force Somalia - Operation Atalanta, NATO and Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) call upon the shipping industry to continue to take anti-piracy measures despite the current downward trend in piracy events.   

As of 1st September 2012 the EU's counter piracy task force (EUNAVFOR) will be augmented by the addition of the offshore patrol vessel RELAMPAGO of the Spanish Navy.