On 17th May, EU NAVFOR Portuguese warship VASCO DA GAMA, flagship for Operation ATALANTA, hosted the visit of the Portuguese Chief of Defence, General Luís Araújo.
The Portuguese Chief of Defence was briefed by the Force Commander, Commodore Alberto Correia on Operation ATALANTA, the latest figures and piracy trends in the Area of Operations. On completion of the briefs he met the crew who were presented to him on the flight deck by Vasco da Gama's Commanding officer Commander Diogo Arroteia.
On board the Portuguese frigate, General Luís Araújo stated:”I am very happy to have the chance to be on board Vasco da Gama and I thank you all the sailors for your professional attitude in this operation.”
EUNAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EUNAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. EUNAVFOR finally monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.