EU HR Catherine Ashton meets the press. Force Commander Jan Thörnqvist to her left and Operational Commander Peter Hudson to her right.

“Piracy is one of the big challenges of our times, both for the region and for the international community.” That is the words of the European Union representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. She visited EU NAVFOR Flag ship HSwMS Carlskrona the Friday 21 of May, during a port visit in Port Victoria, Seychelles.

The High representative (HR) Ashton made an African tour visiting Kenya, Tanzania and Seychelles 18-21 May to meet with political leaders of these countries, international representatives and representatives of civil society. In her first visit to Africa, Ashton is particularly focusing on countries in the region affected by piracy off the east coast of the continent, notably Somalia, and explore with them options for effective and sustainable solutions.

During the visit to the Seychelles HR Ashton visited EU NAVFOR Force Headquarters, based aboard the Swedish warship Carlskrona, which conveniently made a port visit at the Seychelles this week. She was welcomed aboard by the Operational Commander Rear Admiral Peter Hudson and the Force Commander Rear Admiral (LH) Jan Thörnqvist. After a short meeting and a lunch she was briefed on the situation in Operation Atalanta and had a tour on the ship where she showed special interest in the Force Headquarters Maritime Operations Centre.

“I’m delighted to be aboard the Swedish flag ship”, HR Ashton said, very content with the meeting. She also expressed her satisfaction with the efforts that are made in the naval force, especially having the limited assets, in relation to the vast area, in mind and said: “I think the operation is going extremely well”.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Programme (WFP) and vessels of  African Unions Mission in Somalia, AMISOM and to protect vulnerable vessels 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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ITS SCIROCCO courtesy of NATO

Early on the evening of Wednesday 17 March, the Italian Naval Ship SCIROCCO (attached to NATO coalition anti piracy forces) who had been monitoring a hijacked dhow, witnessed pirates leaving the hijacked Iranian dhow SAAD 1 in small boats, known as skiffs. The ships proactive stance had forced the dhow near to the coast.

On the morning of 18 March, the SCIROCCO saw the dhow’s crew asking for assistance and a boarding team was sent to provide assistance. The 19 crew were found to be in good health, and they were provided with water, food and fuel. Some small repairs were also carried out to their VHF radio.

EU NAVFOR understands that the dhow was hijacked about five months ago, and that the pirates had abandoned it as a result of pressure from international naval forces over the last few days. Dhows such as this are often used as “mother ships” to carry their skiffs some distance from the shore and also provide logistical support to Pirate Attack Groups.

The recent introduction of a more aggressive anti piracy policy has reaped rewards with 15 Pirate Action Groups being disrupted in the last 3 weeks between EU NAVFOR and NATO Forces. Pirate boats have been destroyed and weapons have been seized. Rear Admiral Hudson, the Operational Commander of the EU Naval Force – Operation Atalanta stated recently that the naval forces will do their utmost to “get up close to the pirates before they have the opportunity to attack ships”.

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.

Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope KCB OBE ADC, the First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy and Captain Paul Chivers OBE, the Headquarter’s Chief of Staff

Today, Thursday 4 March 2010, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope KCB OBE ADC, the First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy visited the Headquarters of the EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta.

This informal visit was the first time that the First Sea Lord had visited the purpose built Headquarters from where the EU Operation Atalanta is run. The Admiral was extremely impressed with the facilities and was pleased to see the EU multinational HQ in full operation. Admiral Stanhope stated that “this is a very important multinational operation for the UK to be part of and stands alongside the contributions that the Royal Navy is making to the other anti piracy forces in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean”.

EU NAVFOR was established in late 2008 after the problem of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean escalated out of control. The EU Council, under French presidency decided to take action.  Consequently, in October that year, the Commander UK Maritime Forces (COMUKMARFOR) was selected to lead the EU’s first maritime mission under European Security and Defence Policy and the United Kingdom offered their Operational Headquarters in Northwood, near London.  Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE is the current Operational Commander.  Captain Paul Chivers OBE, who accompanied Admiral Stanhope, is the Headquarter’s Chief of Staff.
The Royal Navy has fully engaged with both EU NAVFOR and other international efforts, including NATO and Coalition Maritime Forces, to counter Somali based piracy in the GOA and the Indian Ocean.

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.

The Minister of Defence, Carme Chacon, during her interview with the Commander of Operation Atalanta, Admiral Hudson, during the course of the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers, which has begun in the capital, Palma de Mallorca. EFE

On Wednesday 24 February, ministers of the defence of the European Union agreed that from the end of March they will expand the objectives of Operations Atalanta to include control of Somali ports where pirates are based, as well as ‘neutralising’ mother ships that allow the pirates to operate over 1,000km from the coast.

This expansion could mean an increase in the amount of resources for the operation and also an increase in cooperation and collaboration with NATO and others carrying out operations in this area.

At the press conference at the end of the first day of the Informal Meeting of Ministers, that took place in Mallorca, Spain’s Minister of Defence, Carme Chacón, said that several countries had already said that they are prepared to contribute sea and air resources to reinforce Operation Atalanta beyond 2010.

Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE, in command of Operation Atalanta said, “We are ready to assume these new tasks to improve the control and surveillance of the ports and to exercise the right to search at sea”

The ministers also agreed to improve the application of the agreements that exist with Kenya and the Seychelles for taking legal action against pirates that are detained and to increase efforts to achieve similar agreements with other countries in the region, such as Tanzania, Mauritius and South Africa.

The meeting also discussed the approval and the launch of an operation to train Somalian security forces, led by Spain, that would take place in Uganda and could be started as early as May.

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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Operational Commander Rear Admiral Peter Hudson

On 2 February, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta, Rear-Admiral Peter Hudson, was in Brussels and briefed the press on developments regarding this counter-piracy operation.

Admiral Hudson confirmed that the ongoing operation had been a success since EU NAVFOR started just over one year ago. The overall number of successful attacks (hijackings) had been reduced considerably in the Gulf of Aden although success in that area had pushed the pirates further out into the Indian Ocean. He also highlighted the fact that many of the ships hijacked were not registered with MSC HOA, were not reporting to UKMTO and were not following Best Management Practice. (BMP)

The briefing was also an opportunity to look at the new CSDP training mission to contribute to the training of the National Security Forces of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia as part of the EU’s overall engagement in the region. The support to Somalia and the TFG was also highlighted and this coordinated approach to countering piracy, bolstering the TFG as well as building upon and supporting the institutions within Somalia shows the EUs commitment to that country and the region.

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 Peter Hudson and General Hakan Syren

On the afternoon 18 January, General Hakan Syren, the chairman of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) visited EU NAVFOR’s Headquarters in Northwood, near London.

The General was received by Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, Operational Commander of EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta. His visit included a presentation on the operation and EU NAVFOR’s part in the fight against piracy, and also a visit to the Joint Operations Centre which includes the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA). He had discussions with several of the international staff who works in the OHQ who are appointed from many EU Member states. General Syren also visited the site of the newly built OHQ due to be opened in early February.

The General was impressed with the progress of Operation Atalanta and stated: “I very much enjoyed my tour of EU NAVFOR’s Operational Headquarters and was extremely impressed with the professionalism and cooperation of so many participating EU Member States military personnel, as well as the close working relationship with representatives of the civilian maritime organisations. Operation Atalanta has achieved a great deal in its first year and there is every indication from what I have seen that the second year will be as successful if not more so”

HMNOS Fridtjof Nansen

On the afternoon of Wednesday 13 January the non-European Union member in EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta, HNOMS FRIDTJOF NANSEN returns home after six months on anti piracy patrol.

The last six months have been particularly busy for the ship conducting various tasks including escorting ships of the UN World Food Programme, protecting more vulnerable vessels and deterring and disrupting piracy in the Gulf of Aden and also the Somali Basin. Fridtjof Nansens contribution, especially as a non EU Member State, has been extremely welcome in helping to deal with a difficult and persistent international problem off Somalia. 

Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, Operational Commander of EU NAVFOR stated “I am extremely grateful for Fridtjof Nansen’s outstanding contribution to the EU Naval Force and, as a fundamental part of TF 465, the ships and crew have made a telling impact on the operation by reassuring the merchant community of the EU resolve”.

FRIDTJOF NANSEN and the crew are now on their way back to Norway, where they are expected to arrive in the end of January. Commander SG, Ole Morten Sandquist, the ships Commanding officer sais that “It has been very motivating and encouraging to work in such a fine international environment with our companions in the European Union. It is therefore with mixed feelings that we are leaving the force today”.

On the afternoon of Wednesday 13 January the non-European Union member in EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta, HNOMS FRIDTJOF NANSEN returns home after six months on anti piracy patrol.

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Rear Admiral Thorsten Kaehler, Rear Admiral Peter Hudson and Rear Admiral Bartolomé Bauzá

Today, 11 Dec 2009, Rear Admiral Thorsten Kaehler (German Navy) handed over the responsibility of Deputy Operation Commander of the European Union Naval Force Somalia Operation ATALANTA, the EU anti-piracy campaign in the Horn of Africa area, to Rear Admiral Bartolomé Bauzá (Spanish navy). The handover was conducted in the Operational Headquarters in Northwood near London.

Rear Admiral Thorsten Kaehler who joined the operation in June 2009, has been instrumental in overseeing the continued success of EU NAVFOR. He will now return to Germany as Commander of Flotilla 2.

Rear Admiral Bartolomé Bauzá, prior to his new task, had assignments in Joint HQ, Fleet HQ, and Navy HQ (his last tour as DACOS Plans & Policy and Head of the Strategic Planning Branch). He has also served in surface ships, including serving two-year-tours as EW and Ops officer in the corvette “Infanta Elena”, destroyer “Gravina” and the frigates “Andalucía” and “Cataluña”.

Rear Admiral Hudson and former Force Commanders cutting the anniversary cake

10 December 2009 marks the first anniversary of EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta, the successful EU Naval Force operations in the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin against piracy. This anniversary represents a period of concerted achievement by the EU Naval Force in its fight against piracy. Hosted by Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE and co chaired by Mr Didier Lenoir (CPMD Brussels) and Mr Chris Trelawny (Head of Maritime Security Section IMO) it was a good opportunity to reflect on a successful first year of the operation.

The mission of Operation Atalanta has been 3 fold. Firstly, the mission provides close escort protection by EU Naval Force warships to World Food Programme shipments of food from Mombasa into Somalia. To date, EU Naval Force has provided protection to the shipment of over 300,000 tonnes of food, vital to a nation often hovering on the brink of starvation and none have been hijacked. Secondly, the mission is to deter and disrupt piracy and thirdly to protect vulnerable shipping.

The establishment of the International Recognised Transit Corridor in the Gulf of Aden has been a great achievement in the management and provision of protection to commercial shipping transiting these dangerous waters. Effective communication with the commercial shipping community has been established through the establishment of Maritime Security Centre, Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), a website system that allows EU Naval Force to provide Best Management Practice anti piracy advice to commercial shipping and information in the form of warnings and alerts of pirate threats. The establishment of a secure internet based communications system called Mercury also provides connectivity between EU NAVFOR, NATO and CMF as well as an impressive array of international states such as China, India, Japan and Russia.

Orchestrated by the EU and EU Naval Force, there have been many positive developments amongst, and between, regional nations directly affected by piracy. Positive steps and national recognition of responsibility to assist is evidenced through International agreements that allow regional prosecution of pirates from Kenya and Seychelles and other states are also showing interest in joining them. Sharing of information through the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction Conferences (SHADE), has been extremely successful and this cooperation is bringing together national navies not normally associated with the EU, NATO and CMF. This recognises that this operation is being taken seriously across all nations and the international community is responding positively to the challenge.

This has been a period of success for EU Naval Force and Admiral Hudson, the Operational Commander of EU NAVFOR stated that “while piracy cannot be defeated at sea alone, much is being done in Europe to bring stability to Somalia. We have been very successful in capturing pirates and pirate activity has been severely disrupted”. Also Mr Didier Lenoir CMPD from Brussels, summed up Op Atlanta during his talk to representatives at the Anniversary Day briefings when he said “Op Atlanta is not merely the ships that are provided, Op Atlanta is the core of a very successful mission.”

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