DEFENCE MINISTRY: Italy assumes command of EU Operation Atalanta

Crosetto: a recognition for the work done by the Italian Government, Defence Ministry and Navy

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Italy assumed the tactical command of EU Operation EUNAVFOR (European Naval Force) Atalanta. The Transfer of Authority Ceremony between Italian Navy Rear Admiral Francesco Saladino and Commodore Rogério Martins de Brito of the Portuguese Navy took place this morning at Djibouti harbour, onboard Spanish Frigate Victoria, in the presence of the operation Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Eric Dousson.

“Assuming the command of Operation Atalanta, at this particular moment in history, has a relevant significance for the Defence Ministry. The threat posed by piracy requires a firm response, coordinated at the international level, and EUNAVFOR Somalia (Operation Atatlanta) is a fundamental pillar of the European strategy aimed to protect commercial sea lanes and maintain maritime communication lines open”, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said in a press release.

“The Red Sea region, following the threat posed by Houtis’ attacks, became an area of critical interest in the EU geostrategic and geopolitical scenario, as witnessed by the European Union decision to launch a new mission in the Red Sea to protect commercial routes. Italy was asked to provide Operation Aspides’ Force Commander.  This is a further recognition for the work done by the Government, Defence Ministry and Navy”, Minister Crosetto continued. He then added: “Our commitment in this kind of missions underscores Italy’s determination to actively contribute to international peace and security. We are aware of the challenges ahead of us, while being confident of our ability to tackle them successfully, thanks to the professionalism and excellence of our Armed Forces, as well as the solid cooperation of our international allies and partners”.  

Admiral Saladino will exercise his functions as Force Commander aboard Frigate Federico Martinengo until next June.

Operation Atalanta aims to prevent and repress acts of piracy in the Area of Operations, which includes the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin, while ensuring protection for World Food Programme (WFP) merchant ships which provide transportation of humanitarian aid for Somalia and Yemen.

Italian Navy Frigate Martinengo, under Captain Piergiorgio Ferroni command, before arriving in Djibouti had operated in the Red Sea to provide maritime vigilance and protection to transiting merchant vessels, in order to guarantee commercial routes freedom.