The frigate “Navarra” receives a visit from the commander of the European Mission to Somalia

•  The Spanish vessel has conducted a training day with members of the Somali Coast Guard

The frigate Navarra, flagship of Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta, welcomed the Force Commander of the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM–S), Brigadier General Marco Manzone of Italy, who was briefed on the operational activities carried out in Exercise Vandal II and on the Spanish ship's participation in the LIVEX phase of Exercise Blue Shield, which will take place next October.

In waters off the capital Mogadishu, the EUTM-S Force Commander, accompanied by his Deputy Commander, Colonel Sofia Westermark of Sweden, and members of his staff, was welcomed by the Force Commander of Operation Atalanta, Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vazquez Sanz; and the ship's commander, Commander Valentín Calvar Cerecedo, who guided them during their stay on board.

In addition to the informative conference, EUTM-S military personnel visited the Navarra, during which they were able to learn about the frigate's capabilities, as well as its command and control systems, which enable it to carry out its tasks in Operation Atalanta and, more specifically, to ensure effective monitoring of the Western Indian Ocean. Finally, both parties took the opportunity to set out common objectives and explore ways of coordinating to ensure the fulfilment of their respective missions.

Somali Coast Guard Training

On the other hand, the crew of the frigate Navarra and members of the European Union Mission (EUCAP-S) shared a day of training with members of the Somali Coast Guard.

On board the Spanish vessel, theoretical and practical first aid sessions were held, as well as sessions on vessel inspection and search techniques to improve their capabilities and ensure maritime safety off the Somali coast. 

These joint activities establish interoperability between the various EU missions and operations in the Horn of Africa, thereby increasing their effective contribution to regional peace and stability.

Operation Atalanta

With Spain's strong support, 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.

Currently, Spain's main contribution to Operation Atalanta is the Operation Atalanta Headquarters (OHQ), at the Rota naval base, the Operation Atalanta Force Headquarters, a warship, a mixed airborne unit (UNAEMB) consisting of a helicopter and a ScanEagle UAV, and a maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft (DAT “Orion”) in Djibouti.

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