Since the start of August 2015, a team from the Lithuanian Navy has been stationed on board World Food Programme (WFP) vessel, MSM Douro, as part of Lithuania’s contribution to the European Union’s counter-piracy efforts off the coast of Somalia.
The role of the Lithuanian Navy maritime protection team is to protect MSM Douro from a potential pirate attack as the vessel sails along the Somali coast carrying much-needed food aid destined for the Somali people.
Prior to their deployment, all members of the Lithuanian team completed six months of intensive training that culminated in a practical evaluation at sea. The team also received briefing about regional states and the issues faced by local people.
During the past four weeks the Lithuanian team has successfully adjusted to living on board a civilian vessel, where a variety of languages are spoken and where the day-to-day procedures vary to what they are used to at home. The team has also adapted to working under the intense heat of the African sun and with the limited space on deck.