Sailors from the Italian Navy’s Maestrale-class frigate ITS Espero carried out maritime training with a team from the Djiboutian Navy during their recent port visit in Djibouti.

Currently part of the EUNAVFOR’s counter-piracy operation Atalanta, ITS Espero worked with EUCAP Somalia staff during the training.

Drills focused on tactical boarding of a suspect vessel, followed by real-time practical experience on board ITS Espero. The training focus was the same as the training given during the previous port visit on the 29 March 2017, EUNAVFOR said, but at a greater level of difficulty.

Maritime training with regional partners, such as Djibouti, helps to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation with EU NAVFOR and contributes to international efforts to ensure piracy remains suppressed off the coast of Somalia.