EU NAVFOR’s Operation Atalanta has welcomed back the Spanish Navy frigate ESPS Santa Maria.

The ship was previously deployed on Op Atalanta in 2011 and will be conducting counter-piracy patrols over the coming five months.

ESPS Santa Maria has an embarked Seahawk helicopter on board, allowing her to carry out a wide range of tasks, including maritime surveillance and reconnaissance. She is also fitted with a Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) which further adds to her reconnaissance capability.

ESPS Santa Maria’s arrival signifies the end of deployment for ESPS Tornado on the Operation.

Her crew participated in many training opportunities with regional partners to further enhance the maritime-security of the region and keep seafarers safe off the Somali coast.