The new Force Commander in EU NAVFOR, Rear Admiral (LH) Jan Thörnqvist from Sweden, accompanied by former Force Commander Rear Admiral (LH) Gumiero, entering the Hand over/Take over-ceremony on board Italian ship ETNA

At 1200 GMT today, Wednesday the 14 April, the Italian Rear Admiral Giovanni Gumiero relinquished command of Task Force 465, the EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta.

The Swedish Rear Admiral Jan Thörnqvist took over command and the multinational Force Headquarters will now operate from the EU NAVFOR HSwMS Carlskrona.
 
“Operation Atalanta is, and will continue to be, a very important operation, foremost from a humanitarian perspective. Our military effort will therefore contribute to generate relief for those who suffer in Somalia and security for seafarers sailing the waters off Somalia”, admiral Thörnqvist said.
 
He also stated that his intention is to continue the very good work of Admiral Gumiero and his team onboard the Italian ship Etna.
 
The new Force Commander continued, “I am very proud to be entrusted with the task of commanding Task Force 465 and confident in doing this important job together with my multinational staff afloat, including the crew onboard Carlskrona, the other EU NAVFOR units and our logistic support in Djibouti”.
 
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. EUNAVFOR also monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

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ESPS Navarra on duty

Early on the morning of Tuesday 23 March, an EU NAVFOR warship received a distress call from a merchant ship off the Somalia coast and proceeded at high speed to assist.

As previously reported, the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship, MV ALMEZAAN, en route to Mogadishu, was under attack from pirates. An armed private vessel protection detachment on board the ship returned fire, successfully repelling the first attack, but the pirates continued to pursue. A second attack was repelled and the pirates fled the area.

The EU NAVFOR frigate ESPS NAVARRA, from the Spanish Navy, was dispatched by the Force Commander, Rear Admiral Giovanni Gumiero of the Italian Navy, and raced to the scene of the incident. She launched her helicopter, quickly locating the ALMEZAAN and the pirates’ boats, known as skiffs. When the suspects failed to heed the helicopter’s instructions to stop, warning shots were fired by the aircraft, after which a team from NAVARRA boarded a skiff.

There were three boats, comprising one mother ship and two pirate skiffs. In the first skiff they found three suspected pirates and, in the second, three suspects and a fourth individual, who had died. The body has been transferred to NAVARRA, and an investigation indicated that the individual had died from small calibre gunshot wounds. The mother ship has now been destroyed and the remaining six suspects have been taken onboard the NAVARRA.
Earlier this week the Spanish ship provided assistance to the crew of an Iranian dhow who had been attacked and robbed by pirates. An EU NAVFOR boarding party provided water, food and fuel to enable the crew to return home safely.

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.

EU NAVFOR Italian warship ITS ETNA

Over the weekend of 5 – 7 March, EU NAVFOR units have been involved in concerted operations to interdict and disrupt pirate action groups before they had the opportunity to pirate vessels in the Indian Ocean.

Six pirate action groups have been intercepted, mother ships and skiffs have been destroyed and over 40 pirates have been taken into custody.

As reported by EU NAVFOR on 5 March, the Force Commander of Operation ATALANTA, RAdm Giovanni GUMIERO, onboard the ITS ETNA, tasked the French EU NAVFOR Warship FS NIVOSE to intercept and disrupt the pirate attack group, which had previously been repelled by the Vessel Protection Detachment embarked onboard a French vessel. The Nivose intercepted the group of 1 mother ship and 2 skiffs and found pirate paraphernalia in the skiffs including a rocket launcher, grappling hooks and several fuel barrels. The pirates were arrested and the mother ship destroyed.

This was the start of a weekend where the Command ship ITS ETNA, FS NIVOSE and their helicopters and the Maritime Patrol Aircraft from Luxemburg, Spain and Sweden were involved in the disruption of 5 pirate action groups, including the destruction of mother ships and skiffs, and the arrest of over 40 pirates.

During an attack on a French fishing vessel, TORRE GIULIA, two other fishing vessels, TREVIGNON and TALENDUIC came to her rescue. During close contact, the mother ship collided with one of the fishing vessels and sank, and the Fishing vessel immediately stopped to help those in the water to save their lives. Only four pirates were found initially but a search and rescue effort including, an EU NAVFOR Spanish Maritime Patrol Aircraft, ensured that the remaining two pirates were found and taken onboard the TORRE GIULIA.

The efforts of all units and aircraft in this operation show the determination of EU NAVFOR to fight piracy in the Indian Ocean as well as the Gulf of Aden. Attacks will still happen and hijackings may still take place but this recent success ensures that there were 6 less ships hijacked over the weekend.

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.

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EU NAVFOR Warship FS NIVOSE and skiffs

Early this morning, in the southern Indian Ocean, between the Seychelles and Mombasa a pirate group of 1 mother ship and 2 skiffs was intercepted by EU NAVFOR.

The pirates were operating in an area where an earlier attack had taken place and the Force Commander of Operation ATALANTA, RAdm Giovanni GUMIERO, tasked the French EU NAVFOR Warship FS NIVOSE to intercept and disrupt the pirate attack group, which had previously been repelled by the Vessel Protection Detachment embarked onboard a French vessel.

On the early morning of the 5th of March, EUNAVFOR Warship FS NIVOSE launched her helicopter and detected the skiffs some  350 nautical miles east of the Somali coast. The EU NAVFOR French Boarding Team, while approaching the skiffs, observed objects being thrown overboard. On arrival at the scene they found 11 suspected pirates and pirate paraphernalia in the skiffs including a rocket launcher, grappling hooks and several fuel barrels. The mother ship and one skiff have been destroyed and the suspected pirates taken into custody.

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.

Lt Cdr Muñoz, Capt Asaoka, Maj Belluga, and Warrant Officer Ramon

EU NAVFOR MPA Detachment ORION attended the farewell ceremony of the Navy Captain Satoshi ASAOKA, Commanding Officer of the Japanese Air Force counter piracy team, in Djibout on 28th of January in Camp Lemonier.

Lt Cdr Pedro A MUÑOZ FERNÁNDEZ, Commanding Officer of EUNAVFOR Detachment ORION, on behalf of RAdm Giovanni GUMIERO, COMEUNAVFOR, presented the EUNAVFOR Crest to Capt ASAOKA as a sign of appreciation for his contribution to the Task Force mission and his coordination efforts with the maritime patrol community in the Gulf of Aden. The ceremony was attended by representatives of all the Maritime Patrol Units stationed in Djibouti.

The patrolling activity of aircraft in ATALANTA Operation provides crucial added value to the Operation as shown in the recent dramatic rescue of the M/V ARIELLA. The area of operations is huge and MPA are key assets to the fight against piracy.  On many occasionsan acts of piracy have been disrupted as a direct result of the exchange of information and coordination between Maritime Patrolling Area (MPA) and EUNAVFOR Warships.

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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FCDR RAdm GUMIERO and Chief of Defense Brigadier PAYET

On 29th of January, after three weeks of patrolling in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin, EU NAVFOR Flagship ITS ETNA called in at Port VICTORIA, Republic of Seychelles for a four day visit.

EU NAVFOR Commander RAdm Giovanni GUMIERO met several Civilian and Military Authorities, including Vice President BELMONT and Minister MORGAN who expressed their gratitude to EU NAVFOR for their continuing support to the Seychelles in the anti piracy mission.

Seychelles is playing a fundamental role in fighting piracy following a written agreement between EU and the Republic of SEYCHELLES on 30th of October which allows apprehended alleged pirates and armed robbers to be transferred from EU NAVFOR Units to the Island for prosecution.

Piracy contributes to destabilisation in the Region especially for a Nation such as Seychelles. It deters national fishing fleets from operating in the Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone and a considerable number of cruise and merchant ships divert to other ports. This creates an impact on tourism and does have a limiting factor on the economic growth of the Nation. The Political and Military Authorities and RAdm GUMIERO agreed to enhance the already close cooperation between the Seychellois Coast Guard, Seychelles Defence Forces and EU NAVFOR. Maritime Patrol Aircraft from EU NAVFOR are provided with basing facilities in the Seychelles and have already conducted joint operations against piracy.

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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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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