On Wednesday 25 May the Lithuanian Maritime Protection Team that has been on board World Food Programme (WFP), MSM Douro, for nearly six months as part of Lithuania’s contribution to the European Union’s counter-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia, departed the WFP ship after it arrived safely into Djibouti.
During their time on board the highly-trained Lithuanian troops sailed more than eight thousand nautical miles and importantly helped to protect over 13,000 tonnes of much-needed humanitarian aid for the Somali people.
Led by Lieutenant Justin Žukauskas (Lithuanian Navy), for many of the soldiers it was the first time they had been deployed outside of Europe as part of an international operation.
By sending troops to participate in EU-led international operations, Lithuania is contributing to the fight against international crises and helping to strengthen the EU's common security and defense policy. Lithuania has participated in Operation Atalanta since 2011.