Frigate 'Canarias' receives on board the Spanish ambassador to Djibouti

•  Ambassador Guillermo Lopez Mac-Lellan visits the 'Canarias' during its stopover in Djibouti to see the work of the frigate's crew deployed in Atalanta Operation

The frigate 'Canarias' (F-86) has arrived in Djibouti, where it has received on board the Spanish ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Djibouti, Guillermo Lopez Mac-Lellan.

Upon arrival, the ambassador was received with honours and signed the guest book. He then toured the ship, where he was briefed on the frigate's capabilities and missions, as well as the main events of the deployment in Operation Atalanta. During the visit, he was also able to see the medical capabilities that have been enhanced on the ship for the operation, as well as the capabilities of the SH60-F helicopter from the 5th Squadron of the Aircraft Flotilla, and the Scan Eagle drone from the 11th Squadron of the Aircraft Flotilla, also embarked on board the 'Canarias' for the entire deployment.

During the visit, the Ambassador thanked the members of the Armed Forces for their efforts to ensure peace and security and wished the troops well in their mission.

Among other activities planned during its stay in the port of Djibouti, volunteers from the crew of the 'Canarias' delivered to Caritas Djibouti a donation of basic necessities prepared by Caritas from the Rota Naval Base prior to the frigate's deployment. With this donation of sixty boxes of food, school supplies, toys and clothes, Caritas Rota, with the help of the Navy and through the frigate 'Canarias', shows its commitment with the most deprived and helps the population of the Area of Operations.

Participation in Operation Atalanta is part of Spain's firm commitment to the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy to provide a comprehensive European Union response to the phenomenon of piracy, while contributing to international stability and security. This is the fifth Atalanta operation for the 'Canarias', which will remain integrated into EUNAVFOR until next June. In 2009, `Canarias' participated in the rescue of the Basque tuna vessel `Alakrana' within the framework of Operation Atalanta.

Commanded by Commander Carlos Cordón Castosa, the crew of the 'Canarias' consists of more than two hundred men and women. During the operation, it will also count on a unit of the Naval Infantry Special Forces. In terms of air support, the frigate will have a helicopter from the Fifth Squadron, a drone from the Eleventh Squadron and a reinforcement of medical personnel to deal with medical emergencies on board.

The frigate `Canarias' belongs to the 41st Escort Squadron. It is the most modern of the six Santa María class frigates. These frigates are based in Rota (Cádiz) and, despite their age, are fully operational and maintain a continuous presence in Operation Atalanta. They are scheduled to be gradually replaced by the future F-110 frigates, currently under construction.