The frigate “Navarra” arrives in Rota after finishing her deployment in Atalanta Operation

•  After a brief stopover in Cartagena, the ship's crew has now been reunited with their families at the Cadiz base.

The frigate “Navarra” has docked at the Rota naval base, ending five months of deployment and navigation as the command ship for Operation EUNAVFOR “Atalanta”. During this time, the crew's objective has been to cooperate in the fight against piracy in the Horn of Africa and the western Indian Ocean, as well as to protect ships belonging to the World Food Programme.

The “Navarra” has travelled 27,098 nautical miles in a total of 153 days of sailing.

Under the command of Commander Valentín Calvar Cerecedo, the frigate “Navarra” left Rota on 27 May. Commander Calvar highlights that, during this long voyage, "the crew has more than fulfilled her duties. They overcame the difficulties and wear and tear inherent in a five-month deployment, always maintaining cohesion and a good atmosphere on board. I am very proud of the dedication and commitment of this excellent team of sailors."

During her deployment, the Navarra served as the command ship for the operation, and Spanish Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz acted as Force Commander for the European mission. Sailors of various nationalities were integrated into the ship's command on board, specifically from South Korea, Serbia, Montenegro, and Italy.

On the other hand, the ship had a medical team on board with surgical capabilities, a Marine Corps Security Team, a Special Warfare Special Forces Special Operations Team, and a Shipborne Air Unit consisting of an SH60-B helicopter and a Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle.

During her deployment, the frigate has called at various African ports—Djibouti, Mombasa (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Antsiranana (Madagascar) and Port Victoria (Seychelles)—as well as the Omani cities of Salalah and Muscat. At all these stops, activities have included training with local armed forces, as well as formal visits and receptions on board for ambassadors and national authorities.

In addition, the Navarra has also participated in various exercises with actors that play an important role in maritime security in the region, such as the Kenyan Navy, the Somali Coast Guard in Mogadishu, and various European missions operating in the area, as well as navies such as the Korean, Japanese, Italian, and Indian navies.

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 the firm support of Spain, it became the European Union's first naval operation by decision of the EU Council in November 2008.

As a sign of its 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. Since 2019, it has also led the operation from its headquarters in Rota.