Military veterinarians reinforce food and environmental security at the ‘Orion’ Tactical Air Detachment in Djibouti

• From national territory, specialised support is planned and provided with measures for disease prevention to reinforce the protection of military personnel deployed in the operation area

A military veterinary team from the Spanish Air and Space Force is working at the ‘Orion’ Tactical Air Detachment (DAT in Spanish), as part of Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta, to reinforce food safety and environmental health for the Spanish contingent deployed on this mission.

The team's work focuses on preserving public health in the area of operations, which enables the alleviation of health risks through food inspections, pest control and prevention actions. These prevention measures do not only protect deployed military personnel, but also prevent the possible entry of infectious diseases into Spain from this area of operations through the exchange of materials and equipment.

During their deployment, the military veterinary team conducted inspections of food facilities and legionellosis prevention measures, as well as disinfection and insect pest control tasks in the detachment's working areas and in containers, which will imminently be transferred to national territory. In addition, military veterinarians reviewed and tuned up disinfection, insect pest control, and rodent control equipment and supplies.

This type of intervention actions is essential in overseas deployments for their direct contribution to the well-being of deployed military personnel and, therefore, to the operational readiness of the contingent and the mission. With this contribution, the military veterinary personnel represent the Spanish Air and Space Force's strong commitment to the comprehensive protection of its oversea components.

Operation EUNAVFOR ‘Atalanta’

Operation Atalanta is the result of a series of UN resolutions adopted following the increase in piracy in the Indian Ocean since 2005. With the firm support of Spain, it became the first European Union naval operation carried out under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

At the end of 2024, the EU Council approved the extension of the operation's mandate until 28 February 2027, which reflects the achievements made and the future challenges. Throughout this time period, the area of operations has been expanded in successive mandates and it currently includes the Gulf of Aden and neighbouring countries, including the port and city of Muscat (Oman), the Somali Basin, the Red Sea, and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba.

Spains participation in Operation Atalanta

Spain is currently contributing to Operation Atalanta with the following assets and units:

• The Atalanta Operation Headquarters (OHQ) at the Naval Station Rota.
• One vessel/warship
• A mixed airborne unit (UNAEMB), consisting of a Seahawk and ScanEagle UAV.
• A Naval Special Operations Forces team, during inter-monsoon periods only, or an Operational Security Forces Team, during all periods.
• A maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft (DAT ‘Orion’) in Djibouti during inter-monsoon periods.
• Liaison Offices located in Mogadishu (Somalia), Manama (Bahrain), Brussels (Belgium) and Port Victoria (Seychelles).
• Operation Logistics Support Unit deployed in Djibouti (Djibouti).

 As a sign of our commitment to the security of the region, Spain has been the only EU country to have participated uninterruptedly in the Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta since the beginning of its deployment.