Awarding of decorations to military personnel from the 55th contingent of the Orion Tactical Air Detachment

•  The European Union recognises the work of the Spanish Armed Forces in Operation Atalanta to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean

Spanish military personnel from the 55th contingent of the Orion Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) were decorated in recognition of their contribution to Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta at the French 188 Colonel Massart air base in Djibouti.

The medal and diploma presentation ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Pelegrina Tamayo, head of the DAT Orion, who was accompanied by Lieutenant Commander Hervé Licata, head of the European Union's Support Element Atalanta.

On this occasion, the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Service Medal was awarded to Air and Space Force personnel participating in the operation for the first time. In turn, those who had already received this distinction in previous deployments were awarded a certificate in recognition of their recurring participation in the mission.

After the presentation of decorations, the commander of the Spanish detachment addressed those present, thanking them for “the effort and dedication of the personnel deployed and support staff, as well as the sacrifice involved in being deployed in an area of operations so far from your homes”.

Finally, the military ceremony concluded with the Air and Space Force anthem, sung by all members of the 55th contingent as an expression of pride and a symbol of unity, as well as their commitment to contributing to maritime security and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Operation Atalanta

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

At the end of 2024, the Council of the EU approved the extension of the operation's mandate until 28 February 2027, reflecting the achievements made and the challenges for the future. Throughout this time, the area of operations has been expanded in successive mandates and currently covers 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.

Spain currently contributes to Operation Atalanta with the following resources and units:

• The Operation Atalanta Headquarters (OHQ) at the Rota Naval Station.
•  The Operation Atalanta Force Headquarters, when applicable on a rotational basis.
• A frigate/warship.
•  A mixed airborne unit (UNAEMB), consisting of a helicopter and a ScanEagle UAV.
• A Special Operations Team, only during the inter-monsoon periods, or a Security Operations Team (EOS) during the rest of the year.
• A maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft (DAT Orion) in Djibouti, during intermonsoon periods.
• Liaison offices located in Mogadishu (Somalia), Manama (Bahrain), Brussels (Belgium) and Victoria Harbour (Seychelles).
•  Logistics Support Unit for the Operation deployed in Djibouti (Djibouti).

Spain is the only European Union country to participate continuously in Operation Atalanta since its deployment began 16 years ago.