The frigate Navarra receives a visit from the Spanish ambassador to Tanzania

• The diplomat toured the facilities and learned about the capabilities and life on board the flagship of Operation Atalanta during her stopover in Dar es Salaam

The frigate Navarra, flagship of the European Union's Operation EUNVAFOR Atalanta, has docked in the city of Dar es Salaam, where she received a visit from the Spanish ambassador to Tanzania, Paloma Serra Robles, who showed her support for the Spanish ship and her crew.

The ambassador was received with honours and had the opportunity to learn from Commander Valentín Calvar Cerecedo about the resources and capabilities available to the platform to fulfil her objectives and missions in the area of operations, particularly the fight against piracy.

First, she visited the flight deck. There, the head of the Shipborne Air Unit explained the capabilities of the SH60-B helicopter and the Scan Eagle drone. These assets increase knowledge of the maritime environment beyond the horizon, as well as providing rapid insertion capabilities for the Special Naval Warfare Force unit, which also sails aboard the Navarra.

Ambassador Serra then visited the ship's Combat Information Centre (CIC), where the Force Commander of Operation Atalanta, Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz, together with Commander Calvar Cerecedo, explained the structure and development of the operation, as well as the challenges it currently faces.

The ambassador also had the opportunity to share her thoughts with part of the crew, as well as to contribute her views on the relations between Spain and Tanzania.