On 30 November, the EU NAVFOR Italian warship ITS LIBECCIO completed operating under EU NAVFOR, after more than four months working on Operation ATALANTA.
During her time in the Operation, ITS LIBECCIO escorted two vessels chartered by the World Food Program (WFP), assisting the delivery of 23,635 metric tons of food to Somalia. She also escorted two logistic vessels chartered by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), thereby supporting the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.
In addition, she helped in the disruption of a Pirate Action Group on 17 August and freed a pirated dhow on 29 September.
The warship also conducted several “friendly approaches” with local seafarers at sea, helping to build positive relations between law abiding fishermen and EU NAVFOR warships, and also met with Masters of merchant vessels during port visits to spread the message of the necessity of complying with Best Management Practices.
“Your crew can be proud of the part you played in this operation”, said Force Commander, Rear-Admiral Philippe Coindreau, to ITS LIBECCIO’S Commanding Officer.
After 125 days spent in the area of operation and 27,418 miles covered, the warship is now heading North and returning to Italy. ITS LIBECCIO and all her crew would like to thank and to warmly greet all the EU NAVFOR Units and all the Staff of Operation Atalanta: "ARRIVEDERCI, by ITS LIBECCIO".
During her time in the Operation, ITS LIBECCIO escorted two vessels chartered by the World Food Program (WFP), assisting the delivery of 23,635 metric tons of food to Somalia. She also escorted two logistic vessels chartered by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), thereby supporting the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.
In addition, she helped in the disruption of a Pirate Action Group on 17 August and freed a pirated dhow on 29 September.
The warship also conducted several “friendly approaches” with local seafarers at sea, helping to build positive relations between law abiding fishermen and EU NAVFOR warships, and also met with Masters of merchant vessels during port visits to spread the message of the necessity of complying with Best Management Practices.
“Your crew can be proud of the part you played in this operation”, said Force Commander, Rear-Admiral Philippe Coindreau, to ITS LIBECCIO’S Commanding Officer.
After 125 days spent in the area of operation and 27,418 miles covered, the warship is now heading North and returning to Italy. ITS LIBECCIO and all her crew would like to thank and to warmly greet all the EU NAVFOR Units and all the Staff of Operation Atalanta: "ARRIVEDERCI, by ITS LIBECCIO".