Rear Admiral Éric Dousson (France) took over as Deputy Commander of Operation Atalanta from Rear Admiral Giovanni M. Galoforo (Italy), who held the deputy command for the past six months. The event took place at the Operation Headquarters of the Operation in Rota on 12 January 2024.
The Operation Commander Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano congratulated Deputy Commander Galoforo for his outstanding contribution, commitment and friendship and expressed his best wishes for professional and personal success. In addition, Vice Admiral Villanueva warmly welcomed Rear Admiral Éric Dousson as the new Deputy Commander, highlighting his extraordinary experience and outstanding professional skills.
Rear Admiral Galoforo has served as Deputy Commander performing an exceptional contribution to achieving the objectives of the Operation. It is worth noting his participation as the highest EUNAVFOR ATALANTA representative in multiple high-level events such as the visit of an EU Delegation led by Political and Security Committee chair, Ambassador Delphine Pronk, to Operation ATALANTA units in Djibouti in September 2023 and the Indo-Pacific Seminar in Mumbai, co-organized by the Italian Embassy in India and the National Maritime Foundation, in August.
Rear Admiral Éric Dousson has an extensive and successful military career. Among others, from his achievements are highlighted: Specialized in anti-surface warfare, during the first part of his career he embarked on the frigate ‘BALNY‘, the submarine ‘AGOSTA‘ and the anti-submarine destroyer ‘LATOUCHE-TRÉVILLE‘. He then command the training ship ‘GUÉPARD‘, in charge of the navigation training for naval officers of the watch, his appointment on the frigate ‘LIEUTENANT DE VAISSEAU LE HÉNAFF‘ and the anti-submarine destroyers ‘PRIMAUGUET‘ and ‘LATOUCHE-TRÉVILLE‘ having being deployed in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Yellow Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Barents Sea.
He will carry out his duties as Operation Atalanta Deputy Commander for the next six months.
For his full profile, click here.
