The frigate F-83 ‘Numancia’ sets sail to join Operation ‘Atalanta’.

• The mission doubles its importance in the face of the resurgence of Somali piracy. Atalanta' aims to establish a secure maritime environment in the Horn of Africa area.

The frigate ‘Numancia’, commanded by frigate captain Alfredo Saco, is heading to the Indian Ocean to take part in Operation Atalanta for the next five months. There it will serve as the operation's command ship, relieving the frigate ‘Canarias’, which has been deployed since last February.

The ‘Numancia’ is scheduled to call at the port of Djibouti, where Spanish Rear Admiral Manuel Alvargonzález Méndez will take command of the 47th rotation of EUNAVFOR Atalanta on 20 June.

The ‘Numancia’ has, in addition to its own organic capabilities, a Marine Operational Security Team (EOS), an Embarked Air Unit composed of an SH60-F helicopter and a ‘Scan Eagle’ UAV system from the Navy's Aircraft Flotilla. In addition, it will deploy an advanced medical-surgical team, trained to perform surgical interventions on board.

The frigate ‘Numancia’ belongs to the 41st Escort Squadron and is the third in a series of six frigates based in Cadiz. These units give continuity to the Navy's interrupted presence in ‘operation Atalanta’, since its creation, in the waters of the Red Sea and the western Indian Ocean.