The frigate ‘Santa María’ begins patrols in the Indian Ocean as the flagship of Operation ‘Atalanta’

 Having taken over from the frigate ‘Numancia’, the Spanish vessel has begun its maritime surveillance and anti-piracy operations

The frigate ‘Santa María’ has begun its patrols in the Gulf of Aden after taking over from the frigate ‘Numancia’ as the flagship of the European Union’s Operation ‘Atalanta’, which aims to contribute to maritime security in the Indian Ocean and to prevent piracy.

The vessel set sail from the Rota Naval Base at the end of September, bound for its area of operations. Whilst transiting the Mediterranean Sea and before passing through the Suez Canal, the crew finalised preparations for their deployment to a region characterised by instability and risks to maritime security, stretching from the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb to the Strait of Hormuz.

During the logistical stopover at the Souda naval base on the Greek island of Crete, the boarding team undertook specific training in maritime boarding and interdiction techniques and procedures at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC).

The handover to the frigate ‘Numancia’ took place in the port of Djibouti during a military ceremony presided over by Rear Admiral Javier Vázquez Sanz, commander of the outgoing force. Following the ceremony, the ‘Santa María’ assumed the duties of command ship and became fully integrated into the operation, taking on board the new multinational Staff, led by Portuguese Rear Admiral José Rodrigues Pedra, and a special operations team from the Spanish Navy’s Special Naval Warfare Force.

Since then, the frigate has been carrying out maritime surveillance and anti-piracy operations in the area, making initial contacts with the local community with the aim of building trust and facilitating the exchange of information.

On 12 October, the crew of the frigate ‘Santa María’ celebrated Spain’s National Day on board amidst a flurry of activity. This is a particularly significant date for a ship named after the vessel in which Christopher Columbus reached the Americas in 1492 – a milestone that marked the beginning of a new era in the history of Spain and its ties with the Americas. More than five centuries later, the ‘Santa María’ continues its mission in the waters of the Indian Ocean, representing Spain and contributing to international maritime security.

EUNAVFOR Operation ‘Atalanta’

In late 2024, the Council of the EU approved the extension of the operation’s mandate until 28 February 2027, reflecting the achievements made and the challenges ahead. Throughout this period, the area of operations has been expanded under successive mandates and currently comprises the Gulf of Aden and neighbouring countries, including the port and city of Muscat (Oman), the Somali Basin, the Red Sea and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba.

At present, in addition to the frigate ‘Numancia’ – the flagship of the operation’s naval force – and the ‘Orión’ detachment of the Air and Space Force, Spain hosts the mission’s Operational Headquarters in Rota.