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Working in conjunction with our key partners ensures we are a robust force with a variety of resources and key assets at our disposal. To that end, EU NAVFOR’s Deputy Commander and Force Commander have visited the Japanese Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft base in Djibouti.

EU NAVFOR’s Operation Commander, Major General Charlie Stickland visited the Spanish MPRA detachment in Djibouti to discuss the current operational climate and prominent issues.

On the 8th August 2018, EU NAVFOR’s new flagship, ESPS Castilla, carried out her first friendly approach with local Somali fishermen since she joined Operation Atalanta.

EU NAVFOR’s Operation Commander, Major General Charlie Stickland, met Senior Captain Liang Yang, Commanding Officer of the Chinese PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Support Base in Djibouti, onboard EU NAVFOR’s new flagship, the ESPS Castilla on Mon 6 August 2018.

On Monday 6 August 2018, Major General Charlie Stickland oversaw the Change of Command ceremony, where Rear Admiral Alfonso Nanclares (Spanish Navy), assumed command of Operation Atalanta’s Force Headquarters (FHQ) from Rear Admiral Simone Malvagna (Italian Navy), during a ceremony held on board ITS

EU NAVFOR has been conducting counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia since 2008. Advanced cooperation between our units and other maritime security organisations and departments, keeps the international maritime trade flowing through these important sea-lanes.

Air operations are crucial in the mission to deter piracy in the waters off the Horn of Africa. Long range and continuous surveillance can help detect suspicious activity early.

Strengthening ties with partner nations is key in the ongoing mission to support maritime security operations. On 22 July, personnel from ESPS Meteoro attended a reception in Oman to do exactly that.

Ongoing extensive cooperation and collaboration between EU NAVFOR and the Royal Navy of Oman on a tactical level ensures understanding of maritime security around the Horn of Africa.

EU NAVFOR is pleased to confirm that following the decision from the Council of the European Union the mandate of Operation ATALANTA will continue until 31 December 2020.  

Security and safety to the fishermen of Somalia who are supporting their own community is as important to EU NAVFOR as maritime security is to major international shipping cargo companies. This is why EU NAVFOR warships make time to visit local fishermen going about their daily business.

Close relationships with key maritime partners are vital to the success of Operation Atalanta. By maintaining close links and sharing expertise, this eases the burden of covering such a large operational area and makes us work more effectively and be more than just ships.