On Monday 24th August 2015, the Operation Atalanta Force Commander, Rear Admiral Gómez Fernández de Córdoba, was welcomed on board FGS Erfurt.
The Force Commander flew to FGS Erfurt via Galicia’s SH3D Sea King helicopter. After being welcomed on board by Commander Andreas Kaspar, the Force Commander was given a tour of the German warship. During the visit, the Spanish helicopter crew was able to carry out Emergency Low Visibility Approach exercises. The training is vital for both the ship and helicopter crews.
At the end of his visit, Rear Admiral Gómez Fernández de Córdoba stated: “You have arrived at an important time. The South West monsoon in the Indian Ocean is ending and the improving weather conditions can make it easier for pirates to get out to sea. We need to remain vigilant to the piracy threat and our surveillance needs to be at its highest. There is a lot of hard work ahead, but during my visit today you have shown me that you are ready for the challenges that the coming months will bring.”