The heinous attack on Israel October overshadowed this month. It was a topic in the margins of the 51st SHADE conference and during my encounter with Vice Admiral Cooper, Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), our closest partner in the area of operation. We do not know yet if and how this will affect EUNAVFOR ATALANTA’s operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman but we are taking precautionary measures. In the meantime, we continue to build our relations to the Arab and other countries in the region. I had the honour and pleasure again to welcome the HR/VP, Mr Borrell, on board of our frigate ESPS NAVARRA during her port visit to Muscat, on the occasion of the Joint Council meeting between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This event highlights how EUNAVFOR ATALANTA is part of the greater EU effort to establish trustful relations with the countries for the benefit of mutual interests.
As my time as Operation Commander will end in November, please allow me a few words. It has been little over two years and a half that I received the European flag from the hands of my predecessor and I am filled with a mix of emotions. It has been a privilege to lead this remarkable operation. I have striven to honour the legacy of those that in the past contributed to make EUNAVFOR ATALANTA a success that this operation embodies today.
It has been an eventful time full of challenges, for instance the restrictions imposed over our operations as a result of the constraining measures in the middle of the COVD-19 pandemic, or the blow of the non-renewal of UNSCR 2608 (2021) that kept Atalanta from operating inside Somali territorial waters. The men and women that I have had the honour to command have shown the utmost level of commitment and professionalism in the execution of our mandate.
These constraints have shown the immense capacity of this Operation to adapt to changing scenarios and cope with challenging difficulties. Over the years, EUNAVFOR Atalanta has made significant strides in countering piracy and contributing to maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
The path towards the future does not possess static landmarks. In the endeavour to build an incipient Regional Security Structure, we have actively deepened our efforts in training regional maritime forces, enhancing their capability to address security challenges and protect their waters. While traditional piracy has waned, new threats like illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, human trafficking, and illicit activities at sea require our attention and adaptation.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering interest in EUNAVFOR ATALANTA. I close with expressing my gratefulness and appreciation to all men and women who have served under the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA banner. Their dedication, professionalism, and untiring commitment have made our achievements possible.
On 4 October, EUNAVFOR Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral Giovanni Galoforo, visited Seychelles Defence Forces Chief Brigadier Michael Rosette on behalf of Operation Commander Vice Admiral Nuñez Torrente. They discussed more opportunities for interactions at sea and through the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC).
The European Union and Seychelles share a proactive vision towards security in the Indian Ocean.
On 4 October, the EUNAVFOR Chief of Staff participated in the IV Conferences on Security, Defense and Law about the role of the Spanish Armed Forces in the era of the multi crisis held at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
His conference focused on the mission and activities of Operation ATALANTA in the framework of the missions abroad of the Spanish Armed Forces.
On 5 October, EUNAVFOR Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral Galoforo, participated in the 10th EU-Seychelles Political Dialogue.
The support provided by EUNAVFOR in the region and the way forward for the legal finish in all its aspects were two of the topics covered in his presentation.
This annual event aims to enhance the cooperation between Seychelles and the European Union. After the discussions, both parties agreed to increase the amount of collaboration in different areas of maritime security, enhance bilateral support and explore further the potential of joint drills, based also on the recent successes of exercise ALDABRA.
On 9 October, Operation ATALANTA Commander Vice Admiral Nuñez Torrente welcomed the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, on board of ESPS NAVARRA, one of the EUNAVFOR assets, while moored in Muscat, Oman. During his speech, he underlined the importance of the EUNAVFOR as a maritime security provider in the area and the excellent relationship with Oman. “In 15 years, piracy has been suppressed, tons of drugs have been seized in the Indian Ocean. And we’ve built partnerships, including with Oman. It is a true success of the EU as maritime security provider”, HR/VP said.
On 11 and 12 October, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA and Combined Maritime Forces co-chaired the 51st Shared Awareness and De-confliction (SHADE) conference in Manama, Bahrain. Professionals and experts shared two-day insights on maritime security and capacity-building/enhancement activities.
This forum brings together representatives of numerous nations, international organisations and members of the shipping industry to discuss maritime security issues throughout the Western Indian Ocean, and is therefore considered an example of civil-military cooperation.
On 12 October, the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Commander Vice Admiral Brad Cooper and EUNAVFOR Operation Commander Vice Admiral José M. Núñez Torrente met to exchange views about the current geopolitical situation and the recent events in the region.
The meeting took place at CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, during the time of the SHADE conference, and highlighted the excellent relationship between the two operations.
Both operations work together for freedom of navigation and a rules-based maritime order.
From 16 to 18 October, Operation ATALANTA Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral Giovanni Galoforo, participated in the IORIS Steering Committee held in Nairobi, Kenya. This international meeting has been organised by CRIMARIO to exploit the full potential of the IORIS tool, adopting best practices and turning it into a standard information-sharing mechanism.
DCOM met representatives of 35 organisations and entities from four continents, and had the opportunity to explore new interaction possibilities for ATALANTA for the mutual benefit in the maritime domain and beyond.
On 22 October, Ms Alison Weston, Senior Coordinator for the Coordinated Maritime Presence, Head of the Maritime Security Division and Deputy to the Director for Security Defence Policy in the European External Action Service, visited the Operation ATALANTA Headquarters in Rota.
The discussions focused on EUNAVFOR's relationships with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and opportunities for further engagement with these key partners in the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea.
On 25 October 2023, EUNAVFOR Operation Commander, Vice Admiral José M. Núñez Torrente, awarded the Aircraft Flotilla (FLOAN) of the Spanish Navy “Armada”, with the emblem of EUNAVFOR, for the prolonged and successful participation and support to this operation of the European Union.
Currently, FLOAN is commanded by Captain Jose Emilio Regodón Gómez. The ceremony took place at the FLOAN facilities, at the Rota Naval Base, and was attended by a large representation of the Operation ATALANTA Headquarters, FLOAN Squadron Leaders, pilots and FLOAN flight crews.
On 30 October, EUNAVFOR Operation Commander, Vice Admiral José M. Núñez Torrente, and the Rector of the University of Alicante, Amparo Navarro Faure, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing collaboration between Operation ATALANTA and the University of Alicante.
This collaboration takes shape with the participation of professors from the University of Alicante in specific Operation General Staff activities in which their contribution can improve the current procedures, such as in strategic communication (STRATCOM), and the participation of personnel from the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA in the University's own activities.
On 31 October, EUNAVFOR Operation Commander, Vice Admiral José M. Núñez Torrente visited Spanish Marine Colonel Vicente Gonzalvo, Commander of Naval Special Warfare Forces, in Cartagena (Spain). Discussions focussed on current support to EUNAVFOR and new opportunities to enhance the participation of Special Operations Teams. Examples of their valuable contribution include the participation to ATALANTA-led “ALDABRA” exercise series, involving the Combined Maritime Force (CMF) and Seychelles Forces, and the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa-led (CJTFHOA) “BULLSHARK” exercise series.
On 31 October, Vice Admiral Delgado, Commander of the Maritime Action Force (ALMART), welcomed EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA Commander, Vice Admiral Nuñez Torrente, during his visit to ALMART Headquarters. This event followed the visit by Vice Admiral Delgado to the OHQ on 22 June, aiming at strengthening the ties of cooperation, especially between the Joint Operation Centre (JOC) and Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), and the Maritime Action Monitoring and Operations Centre (COVAM).
On 6 October, EUNAVFOR frigate ESPS NAVARRA and JDFS IKAZUCHI conducted a joint activity at sea in the Gulf of Aden. The passing exercise was an excellent opportunity to improve the interoperability between the navies deployed in the area of operations.
On 14 October, during the port visit in Maputo, Mozambique, the EUNAVFOR Force Commander Rear Admiral Rutteri had a meeting with EU Training Mission Mozambique (EUTM-MOZ) Force Commander Brigadier General João Gonçalves. The Mission aims to provide training and support to the Mozambican armed forces to protect the civilian population and restore security in the Cabo Delgado province. EUTM Mozambique is one of the tools to address the crisis in Cabo Delgado, in conjunction with support for peacebuilding, conflict prevention and dialogue support, humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. The meeting between the Force Commanders underlined the importance of the comprehensive approach of the European Union in the Area.
From 19 to 23 October, Operation ATALANTA flagship, ITS DURAND DE LA PENNE, took part in Operation RIAKA 23, in coordination with Malagasy Navy, the Regional Centre for Operational Coordination (ROC) of Seychelles and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre of Madagascar.
The operation aimed at deterring illicit activities, specifically narcotics smuggling, carried out in the Mozambique Channel and maintaining a comprehensive picture of illegal fishing conducted inside the Malagasy exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Malagasy Navy ships TROZONA and MALAKY were deployed, in close coordination with the EUNAVFOR Destroyer, which shared the Maritime Situation Awareness in the area, thus allowing localisation and inspection of multiple vessels at sea.
On 24 October, during ITS DURAND DE LA PENNE port visit in Antsiranana (Madagascar), the EUNAVFOR Force Commander, Rear Admiral Fabrizio Rutteri, met the Commander of Naval Base of Antsiranana, Captain Ramorasata Dimbimharivony Gislain.
Afterwards, the Force Commander received the Chief of Malagasy Navy, Rear Admiral Gabriel Tsiriniaina, on board the Operation ATALANTA flagship.
Both meetings were an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with the local Navy in the Area of Operations.
On 25 October, during ITS DURAND DE LA PENNE port visit in Antsiranana (Madagascar), the EUNAVFOR Force Commander, RADM Fabrizio Rutteri, met the Civilian Authorities of Antisiranana: Mr Rakotomanga, Governor of Diana Region, Mr. Mananjara Lucien, the Prefect of Antsiranana, Mr Davojozara Jean Luc, the Mayor of Antsiranana.
Liaison with civilian authorities is essential to raise awareness of what Operation ATALANTA does and its significant impact on local trade and the population's well-being.
On 24 October, during the port visit in Antsiranana, crew members of EUNAVFOR Flagship ITS DURAND DE LA PENNE were engaged in restoring and maintaining some local premises of the orphanage “Orphenilat Sainte Famille Nazareth”. Whenever feasible, ATALANTA vessels’ crew members engage and support local entities in different activities.
The handover between ESPS VICTORIA and ESPS NAVARRA took place in Souda Bay (Greece), 25th October. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA welcomed the ESPS VICTORIA as a new asset of the operation, now sailing in the area of operations to provide maritime security. EUNAVFOR also congratulated ESPS NAVARRA, at the end of its 4-month tour, for its key contribution to the Operation.
On 27 October, the EUNAVFOR asset ESPS VICTORIA had a logistical stop at the Egyptian Naval Base of Berenice, the first in this port by an ATALANTA’s asset.
The VICTORIA Commanding Officer hosted on board the Deputy Commander of the Naval Base, Rear Admiral Mahmoud Abdulsatar. It was an opportunity to exchange impressions and experiences, for reciprocal benefit.
On 1 October, Operation ATALANTA congratulated the crewmembers, friends & colleagues from Cyprus on their National Day.
On 2 and 3 October, the Trilateral Planning Cell (TPC) visited Operation Atalanta OHQ. The aim of the visit was to exchange information and practices during two days of workshop and to increase their situational awareness of the Area of Operation.
The TPC was represented by members of South Africa, Tanzania and Mozambique, and its main mission is to disrupt organised crime networks operating on the maritime western coast of the Indian Ocean.
On 3 October, Operation ATALANTA congratulated the colleague on the Day of German Unity.
On 12 October, Operation Atalanta congratulated crewmembers, friends and colleagues from Spain on their National Day.
On 18 October, the EUNAVFOR OHQ received the visit of GEOSEDE, the Spanish organization formed by young experts on international relations. The attendees were welcomed by the Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Nuñez Torrente. The visit was an excellent opportunity to present Operation ATALANTA missions, achievements & challenges faced by EUNAVFOR in Red Sea and North Western Indian Ocean, a complex geo-strategic area of global relevance.