Frigate ‘Santa María’ partakes in the European Union Maritime Security conferences in Oman

• During its stay in the Omani Capital, the vessel received several official visits related to the Northwest Indian Ocean Security

Spain’s frigate ‘Santa María’, within the ATALANTA operation, did a stopover at the Muscat Port from 29 JAN to 02 FEB. The frigate partook in the different planned activities on the occasion of the ‘Renown EU Maritime Security Event.’ It was organised together with the Omani authorities - the Operation Force Commander along with many EU authorities and the AGENOR Operation were aboard.

On 29 JAN, the vessel welcomed the official visit from the Spanish Ambassador to Oman, María Luisa Huidobro Martín-Laborda. The boarding took place with the traditional Spanish Navy ‘voice salute’ from the personnel plus the highest pertinent naval honours. During her stay on board, the Ambassador confirmed the frigate capabilities in operation’s area.

On 30 JAN, a conference between the EU representatives and the Omani took place in the Muscat ‘Maritime Security Center’ (MSC) to discuss on Maritime Security in the Pacific Ocean. Later, a reception aboard the frigate presided by the Ambassador to the UE, the Ambassador to Spain in Oman and the Operation Force Commander took place. Many UE Ambassadors attended, as well as Omani authorities and military attachés; part of the Spanish community in Oman also attended.

The Force Commander of the ‘ATALANTA’ operation aboard the ‘Santa María’, made several official visits to the Joint Chief of Staff and the Omani Navy plus the Omani Coast Police. The visit of the Senior Coordinator from the ‘Northwest Indian Ocean’ (NWIO), the EU ‘CRIMARIO II’ representative and the Force Commander from the ‘AGENOR’ operation.