Celebration Of The Armed Forces Day In Operation 'Atalanta'

• Coinciding with the stopover in Djibouti of the frigate 'Reina Sofia', they shared the ceremony with the personnel of the 'Orion' detachment

The 46th Contingent of Operation Atlanta’s 'Orion Detachment' has brought forward the celebration of the Armed Forces Day and have made it coincide with the scale of the frigate Reina Sofia to Djibouti that have joined the celebration.

The reception was presided over by Rear Admiral Juan Maria Ibanez Martin, Commander of the Embarked Headquarters of the operation 'Atalanta', Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Rodriguez Sacristan in command of the Tactical Air Detachment Force 'Orion' and Commander of the crew of the Frigate 'Reina Sofia',  Captain Juan Jose Belizon Izquierdo.

The event was attended by the Spanish ambassador to Ethiopia, Djibouti and Seychelles, various American, French, Italian and Japanese military authorities deployed in the country as well as civilian personnel.

After the reception of the authorities, the ambassador greeted the staff in attendance. Lieutenant Colonel Sacristan gave an address, which was followed by a toast from Rear Admiral Ibanez.

Operation Atalanta', under the European Union flag, is part of Spain's commitment to maintain maritime security off the coast of Somalia and neighbouring countries in the Indian Ocean region.