Spanish leadership in the European Union’s ‘Atalanta’ anti-piracy operation

• On board the frigate ‘Numancia’, Rear Admiral Vázquez Sanz serves as Commander of the Naval Force for this operation

Spain has assumed command of the Naval Force for Operation ‘Atalanta’ following the handover ceremony at which Rear Admiral Javier Vázquez Sanz was appointed Force Commander.

On board the frigate ‘Numancia’ — which makes it the flagship of the European Union’s anti-piracy operation — the Force Commander is responsible for planning, coordinating and directing naval operations within the framework of this mission. The main objective of ‘Atalanta’ is to strengthen maritime security and protect international shipping traffic passing through one of the world’s busiest and most vulnerable routes, paying particular attention to vessels belonging to the UN World Food Programme.

In addition to the Staff on board the frigate ‘Numancia’ — headed by Rear Admiral Vázquez Sanz — the Mission comprises personnel from six countries. The presence of military personnel from various European Union nations and partner countries reflects the multinational nature of the Mission and facilitates a coordinated response to security challenges in the region.

As well as deploying a frigate, Spain hosts the Mission’s Operational Headquarters in Rota, as well as a detachment from the Spanish Air and Space Force stationed at the French 188th ‘Colonel Massart’ airbase in Djibouti. Since its inception in 2008, Spain has participated continuously in Operation Atalanta, contributing naval and air units and periodically taking the lead, which reflects its firm commitment to maritime security in a region that is key to global development and progress.