Oliver Fox, Lord Sewel, Lord Anderson of Swansea, Lord Chidgey, Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE, Lord Teverson, Lord Hamilton, Lord Inge and Kathryn Colvyn (From left)

On the morning of 2 March EU NAVFOR hosted a visit by the United Kingdom House of Lords, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development Policy.

The chairman, Lord Teverson, and the five representatives were greeted by Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, Operational Commander of EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA. The delegation was given a tour of the new Operational Headquarters building, specifically designed for Operations and into which EU NAVFOR moved recently. During their visit the delegation was given a briefing on the operation and EU NAVFOR’s fight against piracy visiting the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) which also houses the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA).

The representatives had the opportunity to meet several of the international staff from many EU member states, including the civilian Merchant Navy representatives who work within MSCHOA. Lord Teverson said that he was delighted to see the EU Naval Force Headquarters in action and was impressed by the professionalism and dedication of this multi national headquarters.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP) and vessels of AMISOM, and to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy. EU NAVFOR also monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

New Force Headquarter during Joint Mission Planning at OHQ

The designated Swedish Force Commander and his multinational staff have now completed the Joint Mission Preparation (JMP) at EU NAVFOR Operational Headquarters in Northwood in readiness for taking over from the Italian FHQ in April.

“This week has been excellent and we have got invaluable inputs from our friends at the Operational Headquarters”, says designated Force Commander Rear Admiral (LH) Jan Thornqvist.

“I also would like to mention the video-conference with the present Force Commander Rear Admiral Gumiero, who now is aboard Italian ship ETNA in the Indian Ocean.  That was also a very fruitful part in the programme”, Admiral Thornqvist adds.

In total 26 officers from Sweden Belgium, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Norway, and Spain  gathered in Northwood for a week of preparation. Besides having operational briefings the future FHQ officers had the opportunity to work together with their “opposite numbers” in the Operational staff.

During the visit to Northwood Admiral Thornqvist was invited to NATO Maritime Component Command where he met the Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer, his chief of staff Rear Admiral Hank Ort and the designated Force Commander for NATO Task Force 508, Commodore Steve Chick. Since Task Force 508 also operates off the coast of  Somalia there will be regular contact between Commodore Chick and Admiral Thornqvist, who said this meeting reaffirmed the close cooperation between EU NAVFOR and NATO.

Sweden contribution to EU NAVFOR will be an Ocean patrol vessel (OPV), HMS Carlskrona, which will also host the Force Headquarters. Transfer of authority, from the now Italian-led FHQ to Swedish Rear Adm (LH) Thornqvist and his staff, is scheduled for 14 April.

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Cdr Damiano presents EUNAVFOR crest to Mr Giscard D'Estaing

On the 17th of February, the Senior French Member of Parliament, Louis Giscard d’Estaing, Deputy President of the Financial Committee visited the EU NAVFOR Force HQ Support Area (FHQSA) in Djibouti. The French politician is also responsible for the French Operational Defence Budget.

Mr Giscard d’Estaing was briefed on the EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta and the part played by the FHQSA. The Officer in Command, CDR (ITN) Emanuele DAMIANO, stated that he was “extremely grateful to the French Forces for hosting EU NAVFOR personnel and providing excellent facilities to conduct Operation ATALANTA inside the French base “AERIENNE 188”. These facilities provide an excellent contribution to the anti piracy operation.”

Mr. Louis Giscard d’Estaing expressed his appreciation to the FHQ SA for their contribution to the success of Op Atalanta. French ships and personnel already contribute in the Area of Operation (AOO) and he stated that “he was pleased that this cooperation extended to the excellent support facilities in Djibouti.”

EUNAVFOR SOMALIA Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP) and AMISOM shipping, to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, to deter and disrupt piracy, and to monitor the fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

Left to right Warrant Officer Lubomir Volny, Lt Col David Peter and Lt Col Podoba

European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) welcomes three military personnel from the Czech Republic: two officers, namely Lt Col Jozef Podoba (Senior National Representative) and Lt Col David Peter, and one NCO, WO Lubomir Volny.

The CZECH Republic has been a member of NATO since 12th March 1999, and of the European Union since 2004. Since the end of January 2010, the Czech Republic has also been involved with the EUNAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA, a military operation with a mandate to protect vessels of the World Food Programme (WFP) delivering food aid to displaced persons in Somalia and to help deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia. This operation – the European Union’s first naval operation- was established in December 2008 and was scheduled for an initial period of twelve months has now been extended by the council until Dec 2010. During this period up to 12 EU ships and a number Maritime Patrol Aircraft will operate at any one time.

At the present time, eight EU member states are making a permanent operational contribution to the operation: Italy, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Luxemburg and Greece. Contributions from third countries such as Norway are participating as well. Also, a number of Cypriot, Irish, Finnish, Maltese and Sweden military personnel supplement the team at the Northwood Operation Headquarters, and are now joined by three military personnel from the Czech Republic.

WO Volny is the Assistant Watchkeeper in the Joint Operations Centre, monitoring all ships registered with the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa) as they navigate the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin. Lt Col Peter is working as the Accounting Officer in the Finance Division and manages every payment made in relation to the EU budget for Operation Atalanta. Lt Col Podoba is the Analyst in the Intelligence Division.

Operation Atalanta is endorsed until Dec 2010 and it is understood that the Czech Republic will send up to three military personnel in six month rotations for that period of time. This was the first visit to England for WO Volny, unlike Lt Col Peter and Lt Col Podoba, who had visited on previous occasions. When asked what it was like to work with different members of EU, different military services and civilians in one building, Lt Col Podoba stated that ‘this is not a new experience, as we work in an international environment with counterparts in NATO HQs and EU missions’. Lt Col Peter was impressed with how well so many different nations work together as a cohesive and professional team despite the frequent rotations within members of the staff in this operation. WO Volny gave his compliments with regards to the new building for the Operational Headquarters, which EU NAVFOR moved into on 8th February 2010, and stated that it provides ‘great conditions for work and relaxation’. Lt Col Podoba added the following statement:
‘This is the first Navy mission for the Czech Republic and we would like to maintain the reputation of the Czech soldier among the coalition partners in missions such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. We are ready to support the effort of the HQ in Operation Atalanta and be reliable and valuable team members in the HQ’

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Rear Admiral Hudson and Lux Defence Minister Jean-Marie Halsdorf

On the afternoon of 10th February EU NAVFOR hosted a visit by the Luxembourg Defence Minister Jean-Marie Halsdorf, members of Parliament Marc Angel, Felix Braz, Felix Eischen and a number of other Luxembourg representatives.

The Defence Minister was greeted by Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, Operational Commander of EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA and was given a tour of the new Operational Headquarters building, specifically designed for Operations and into which EU NAVFOR moved only two days ago. During their visit the delegation was given a briefing on the operation and EU NAVFOR’s fight against piracy visiting the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) which also houses the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA). The Minister had the opportunity to meet several of the international staff from many EU member states, including the civilian Merchant Navy representatives who work within MSCHOA).

The Defence Minister was impressed with Operation Atalanta and emphasised the positive contributions and cooperation between all players in this multinational operation. Admiral Hudson stated that “I am delighted to welcome Defence Minister Jean-Marie Halsdorf to the OHQ, the first VIP to visit our new headquarters and thank him for the extremely valuable contribution of Luxemburg Maritime Patrol aircraft to anti piracy operations”. Minister Halsdorf indicated, in this context, that Luxembourg was actively considering extending its contribution for another six months.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP), to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy.

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ITS ETNA Refuelling Pakistan Navy Frigate PNS KHAIBAR

While patrolling in the Gulf Of Aden, EU NAVFOR Flagship ITS ETNA, with COMEUNAVFOR RAdm Giovanni Gumiero embarked, provided the Pakistan Navy Frigate PNS KHAIBAR with fuel and water, thus enhancing the spirit of cooperation among coalition Naval forces operating on anti piracy patrol in the gulf of Aden.

On the early morning of 20th of January, PNS KHAIBAR approached EU NAVFOR ITS ETNA on her port side, while proceeding on a steady course and speed, applying all standard procedures used in a Refuelling At Sea (RAS) Operation. After the preliminary warning whistles sounded by the boatswain, all the hoses and equipment were passed to the Pakistani Warship and the RAS was conducted successfully and smoothly.

Pakistan is contributing to the fight against piracy with a Frigate patrolling in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden, serving under the Command of CTF 151 (US-led anti piracy coalition Task Force).

EUNAVFOR SOMALIA Operation ATALANTA main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP), to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy.

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RAdm Gumiero and Senior Captain Qiu Yanpeng

On the 16th of January 2010, taking advantage of the vicinity of the two Flagships in the Gulf Of Aden, CTF 465, RAdm Gumiero, and CTF 525 (Chinese People Liberation Army Navy Task Force), Senior Captain Qiu Yanpeng took the opportunity to  arrange a meeting.

The meeting was conducted in a friendly and pleasant atmosphere on board the Chinese Warship MA’ANSHAN. Senior Captain Qui YANPENG, the Chief of the Chinese Mission, received RAdm Gumiero and a delegation from FHQ on the flight deck. The meeting was aimed at continuing the coordination in the IRTC, seeking more interoperability and enhancing the already good relations between the two Task Forces. It is not the first time that the Commander of the Chinese Task Force has met COMEUNAVFOR, as well as other CTFs operating in this Region, thus demonstrating the strong links between all the forces in the area.

The Fourth Chinese Escort Task Group consists of three frigates, MA’ANSHAN, WENZHOU, CHAOHU, and one General Supply Ship, QIANDAOHU. TF 525 main tasks are to maintain the security of GOA, safeguard Chinese vessels and personnel transiting GOA and waters off Somalia, offer protection to vessels carrying humanitarian materials for international organizations like WFP and ensure safety of vessels from other countries and regions following our convoy.

EUNAVFOR SOMALIA Operation ATALANTA main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP), to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy.

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Italian ship ETNA refuelling Korean warship YI SUNSHIN at Sea

On the occasion of the Refuelling At Sea (RAS) between the EUNAVFOR Flagship ITS ETNA and the Korean warship ROKS CHUNGMUGONG YI SUNSHIN, in the Gulf of Aden, Rear Admiral Giovanni Gumiero took advantage of the proximity of the two ships to visit Captain Myung Sung Kim, Commander of CheonHae Escort Force and Commanding Officer of the Korean Warship.

Republic of KOREA is contributing to the fight against piracy with a Destroyer patrolling in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden serving under the Command of CTF 151 (US-led anti piracy coalition Task Force) and, occasionally, escorting Korean Flag Merchant Vessels.

The visit paid by CTF 465, RAdm Gumiero,  enhanced the already good relationships with the Korean Forces in the Region and further areas of cooperation were explored.

RAdm Gumiero stated that “this first refuelling of a South Korean ship by EU NAVFOR went extremely well and helps to enhance our excellent relationships with coalition forces in the area”

EU NAVFOR SOMALIA Operation ATALANTA main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP), to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy.

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Djiboutian Minister of Defence, Mr Ahmed Kefleh Ougoureh

After almost three weeks patrolling in the Gulf of Aden, EU NAVFOR Flagship ITS ETNA called in to DJIBOUTI on the 7th of January 2010, for two days.

This short visit was supported by the EU and French Ambassadors in Djibouti and the Task Force Commander, Rear Admiral Giovanni Gumiero took this opportunity to meet a large number of local authorities. These included the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Equipment and Transport, Defence, Director of Internal Security and the United Nation High Commissioner Representative for Refugees in Djibouti.

The Task Force Commander acknowledged and thanked Djiboutian support of the operation for the planned deployment of its Coast Guard as well as provision of base areas for the EU NAVFOR Logistic Support Areas and air Maritime Patrol Area base. Djibouti has offered EU NAVFOR permission to transfer suspected pirates through its territory from EU NAVFOR Units to Kenya or third State for subsequent prosecution. A Djiboutian Naval Officer will be attached to the Task Force as an interpreter during operations.

The Task Force Commander confirmed the Operation ATALANTA tasks of protect of all vulnerable shipping transiting the area. He specified that the ATALANTA Mission is only one part of the European Union comprehensive approach, including political, humanitarian and security aspects, to a lasting achievement to peace and stability.
EU NAVFOR SOMALIA Operation ATALANTA main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP), to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy.

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Navarra escorting Alpha Kirawira

EU NAVFOR successfully escorted MV ALPHA KIRAWIRA from Mombasa (Kenya) to Mogadishu (Somalia). MV ALPHA KIRAWIRA, Sierra Leone flagged RoRo vessel, chartered by UNSOA (United Nations Support Office for AMISOM), left Mombasa on December 31st where she met EU NAVFOR warship ESPS NAVARRA and made her way to Mogadishu.

Another EU NAVFOR warship, FS CDT L’HERMINIER, took over the escort during the transit and handed her over to AMISOM just prior to the entrance to the port of Mogadishu. The cargo vessel is capable of delivering up to 1,800 deadweight tonnage in cargo and has a capacity of 1,500 cubic meters  of liquid cargo.

With this successful escort EU NAVFOR accomplished one of it’s  main tasks: to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Somalia. EU NAVFOR SOMALIA Operation ATALANTA’s other main tasks are to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy.

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