On 10 December 2014, Spanish Navy warship (ESPS) NAVARRA started her trip back home, after completing a deployment in Atalanta Operation. ESPS NAVARRA had been integrated in EUROMARFOR task group, which is the major contributor with assets to the EU Naval Force in the Indian Ocean.

ESPS Navarra joined Operation Atalanta, the EU’s counter-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia, on 23rd July.  Since then she has completed a range of duties, including the escort of a World Food Programme vessel to protect it from potential pirate attack.  The Spanish frigate also conducted counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin and, in coordination with staff from EUCAP Nestor, assisted in the training of maritime forces in the region. The warship also met a number of local seafarers at sea in order to help strengthen mutual trust and understanding and to better understand the pattern of life at sea.

ESPS Navarra also invited local Somali leaders on board to discuss their issues and concerns. This visit was seen as an important step towards strengthening counter-piracy cooperation between the international community and the local authorities.

The ESPS Navarra is now steering a course for Spain. After sailing more than 31,000 nautical miles, the crew leaves the Horn of Africa region content in the knowledge that they have made a significant contribution to the European Union’s efforts to keep the waters in the Horn of Africa safe for all seafarers.