The special operations team of the frigate Navarra successfully completes the Vandal II exercise

• During the inter-monsoon period, the Special Naval Warfare Force sails embarked on the Navy ship to carry out complex operations in fulfilment of the European mission

The Estol IV Special Operations Team, part of the Special Naval Warfare Force (FGNE) on board the frigate Navarra, has successfully completed the first phase of the Vandal II exercise in Somalia.

The exercise consisted of reconnaissance of potential extraction points on the country's coast. FGNE members landed at these points with the dual purpose of assessing the terrain and obtaining up-to-date information on the area, which is vital for planning future operations of this nature.

The Spanish frigate, deployed as part of the European Union's Operation Atalanta, carried out this activity to promote collaboration between different European institutions, missions and operations deployed in Somalia.

This contributes to strengthening political and security institutions in the area, such as the European Union delegation in Mogadishu, the EUTM Somalia training mission, and the aforementioned Operation Atalanta, which combats piracy in the Indian Ocean.

During the inter-monsoon period, a Special Naval Warfare Force (FGNE) Estol is sailing aboard the frigate Navarra, commanded by Commander Valentin Calvar Cerecedo. This is a special operations group capable of carrying out, among other things, insertion, boarding and reconnaissance missions, as well as a medical team with surgical capabilities. In addition, the headquarters of the Atalanta Force, commanded by Rear Admiral Javier Vázquez Sanz, is also on board.

As part of the organic resources on board, the frigate has a Scan Eagle drone, which allows it to take real-time images for intelligence gathering, an essential capability for command and control. She also embarks an SH60-B helicopter, which is prepared and equipped to provide security, facilitate the insertion of special operators and enhance the sensors available to the Spanish ship.

Operation Atalanta

Operation Atalanta became, by decision of the Council of the EU in November 2008, the European Union's first naval operation 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, reflecting the achievements made and the challenges for the future.

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

• The Operation Atalanta Headquarters (OHQ) at the Rota naval base.
• 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 Shipborne Special Operations Team, only during 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 inter-monsoon periods.
• Liaison offices located in Mogadishu (Somalia), Manama (Bahrain), Brussels (Belgium) and Victoria Harbour (Seychelles).
•  Logistics Support Unit for the Operation deployed in Djibouti.

As a sign of our commitment to security in the region, Spain has been the only European Union country to participate continuously in Operation Atalanta since its launch 16 years ago.