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Change of Command of the EUNAVFOR Atalanta Deputy Commander

Rota, Cádiz
July 7, 2023
  • Italian Rear Admiral Giovanni M. Galoforo took over the French Rear Admiral Hilaire Ducellier

Rear Admiral Giovanni M. Galoforo has taken as Deputy Commander of Operation Atalanta in replacement of Rear Admiral Hilaire Ducellier, who held the command for the past six months. The handover ceremony was held on Thursday 6 July in the Operation Head Quarter (OHQ) in Rota, Cádiz.

The Operation Commander (OPCDR), Vice Admiral José M. Núñez Torrente, congratulated Rear Admiral Ducellier for his outstanding contribution, commitment and friendship, and offered his best wishes for success at both professional and personal levels. In addition, the OPCDR gave a warm welcome to Rear Admiral Galoforo as the new Deputy Commander, pointing out his extraordinary expertise and utmost professional skills.

Rear Admiral Ducellier has served as Deputy Commander, making an exceptional contribution to the achievement of the Operation’s objectives and, more particularly, highlighting the implementation of the 2023/2024 mandate, as well as his role in the coordination of the two recent counter-narcotics operations, conducted by the French warships DIXMUDE, LA FAYETTE and SURCOUF.

Rear Admiral Galoforo has an extensive and successful military career. Among others, his main achievements are highlighted:

  • From 1994 to 2000, he served as ASW Wing - Pilot, Navigator and Crew Commander of the IT Air Force 41st Wing, Anti-Submarine Warfare in Sigonella (ITA).
  • From 2010 to 2012, he was assigned to the NATO HQ Strategic Communication Cell as Deputy Head of the Public Diplomacy Division, at NATO HQ in Brussels (BEL).
  • From 2017 to 2019, he served as Policy, Planning and Cooperation Officer of the Italian Delegation at NATO HQ in Brussels (BEL).
  • Finally, from 2019 to 2023, he was assigned as StratCom Advisor – Speechwriter to the Chairman of EU Military Committee – EU Military Forum, and as Editor in Chief in the EU Military Committee in Brussels (BEL).

    • Rear Admiral Galoforo will serve as Deputy Commander of Operation Atalanta for the next six months.

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