The merchant vessels Dream-H (left) and Rozen (near right), sailing for UN World Food Programme with humanitarian aid to internally displaced persons in Somalia, was escorted by EU NAVFOR flag ship HSwMS Carlskrona

The merchant vessels Rozen and Dream-H, sailing for UN World Food Programme with humanitarian aid to displaced persons in Somalia, are now safely delivered to Mogadishu after being escorted by EU NAVFOR Swedish flag ship HSwMS Carlskrona.

The flag ship of EU NAVFOR is not only carrying the Force Headquarters, she is also an Ocean Patrol Vessel with a helicopter and a boarding team in addition to own armament. During her first month in the Operation Atalanta she has solved all the different tasks that are normally performed by the units in the force; escorts, patrolling the internationally recommended transit corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden, carrying out surveillance outside the Somali coast and boarding suspected vessels. Last week, she escorted ships for World Food Programme (WFP) and AMISOM, the tasks that are the number one and two on the priority list for EU NAVFOR.

Her latest escort protecting MV Rozen and MV Dream-H loaded with WFP humanitarian aid was a golden opportunity for the Carlskrona boarding team to practice boarding and searching the vessels. This was performed in cooperation with the captains of the merchant vessels.

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.

Rear Admiral Bartolome Bauza meets the President of Republic of The Seychelles His Excellency Mr James Michel

On 18 of March at 11.00, the Deputy commander EU NAVFOR Rear Admiral Bartolome Bauza ended a very successful visit to the Seychelles.

The final meeting was with the President of Republic of The Seychelles His Excellency Mr James Michel. During the meeting His Excellency expressed his gratitude for EU NAVFOR’s contribution to anti piracy efforts in the region and the close cooperation with the Seychelles in countering this criminality.

RAdm Bauza also had the opportunity to meet Mr Joel Morgan, the Minister for Environment, National resources and Transport. Mr Morgan is also president of the antipiracy committee and RAdm Bauza expressed EU NAVFOR’s thanks for the excellent cooperation on yesterdays handover of the 11 suspected pirates to the Seychelles for prosecution.

After the meeting with the His Excellency, The President, there was a short informal press conference which the French Ambassador in the Seychelles Mr Philippe Delacroix also attended. RAdm Bauza stated during the press conference that “it is a great honour for me to have met His Excellency the President today. It is important to have such cooperation in the region to counter this scourge of piracy and EU NAVFOR is very grateful for the support provided by the Seychelles to this operation.

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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Suspected pirates arrives at Seychelles

This morning, 17 March, saw the culmination of highly successful EU NAVFOR pirate disruption activities by the EU NAVFOR French warship NIVOSE against Pirate Action Groups (PAG) operating in the Somali basin, approximately 350 nautical miles off the Somali Coast.

The PAG activities on 4 March led to an immediate response by EU NAVFOR warships and Maritime Patrol Aircraft and the EU NAVFOR Flag ship ETNA despatched NIVOSE to seek out the PAGs operating in the area.  On 5 March, NIVOSE intercepted a PAG and boarded two skiffs and a mother ship. The mother ship (whaler) was destroyed and she took on board two skiffs and detained 11 suspected pirates in an area clearly linked to the unsuccessful attack on the Spanish FV Intertuna 2. With the evidence gathered and presented to the Seychelles authorities, it was approved for the 11 detainees to be flown from Djibouti to the Seychelles for prosecution.

At 14.45 local time the 11 detainees arrived at Seychelles International airport. The detainees were handed over to the Seychelles Authorities. Present at the airport was Deputy Commander EU NAVFOR RAdm Bauza. After the detainees left RAdm Bauza was interviewed by the press and stated: “Today is a good day but you mustn’t forget the people at sea and the Seychelles Coastguard which are doing a wonderful job”.

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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The President, His Excellency Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Op Comd Rear Admiral Peter Hudson

On the evening of 9 March the President, His Excellency Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and his delegation were greeted by Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE, Operational Commander of EU NAVFOR – Operation ATALANTA.

The delegation was given a tour of the new offices occupied by the Operational Headquarters within the purpose built Multi National Headquarters. In addition to receiving a briefing on the operation the delegation visited the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) which houses the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA).

His Excellency Sharif Sheikh Ahmed had the opportunity to meet several of the international staff from EU member states and Merchant Navy representatives.

Following the briefings a reception was held where Rear Admiral Peter Hudson presented the President with a gift of a framed photo of the Spanish warship ESPS NAVARRA escorting a World Food Program (WFP) Ship to Somalia.

The President appeared impressed with the Operational Headquarters and the professionalism of the European multinational anti piracy team and recognised the “extensive efforts” of the international community off the coast of Somalia.  He went on to say that a “permanent solution must be found” to resolve the issue of piracy.

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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Rear Admiral Peter Hudson with Major General Li Ning (left)

On the afternoon of 2 March, EU NAVFOR hosted a visit by the Major General Li Ning, Defence Counsellor Chinese Mission to the European Union.

The Chinese delegation was greeted by Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE, 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 Chinese 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).

Maj Gen Li Ning had the opportunity to meet several of the international staff from many EU member states. He also met the civilian Merchant Navy representatives who run MSCHOA and who work alongside their military colleagues.
The Chinese delegation was extremely impressed with the Operational Headquarters and the professionalism of the European multinational anti piracy team. The Head of delegation stated that he “looked forward to continuing the excellent cooperation with EU NAVFOR and other coalition partners and to strengthening the bonds of friendship between EU NAVFOR and the Chinese task force in the Gulf of Aden”.

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.

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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Danish warship HDMS Absalon

The hijacked M/V Asian Glory put to sea on Friday 29 January from the Somali coast and headed south to rendezvous with suspected pirate groups in the Indian Ocean. On Saturday 30 January, she headed north and eventually made a rendezvous with the hijacked Dhow Faize Osamani.

The Faize Osamani was last reported leaving Karachi, bound for Mogadishu with a cargo of rice, on 28 November 2009. The ship’s Master, an all crew Indian crew of 14, reported to the owner that the ship had been hijacked on 6 January 2010 off Kismayo on the Somali coast. The pirated Faize Osamani was spotted by EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) approximately 150 nautical miles North East of Socotra, off the Horn of Africa and appeared to be dead in the water.

At the rendezvous position, the Asian Glory remained close by until the pirates from the Faize Osamani transferred to Asian Glory after which she got under way and headed for the Somali coast. Whilst EU NAVFOR MPA monitored the situation, a coalition force ship, HDMS Absalon of NATO TF 508 came to the assistance of the Faize Osamani and rendered medical and engineering assistance. After some small repairs and minor medical attention, the Faize Osamani proceeded on her voyage.

Asian Glory has arrived at the Somali coast once more and is thought to be anchored off the port of Garacad, north of Hobyo.

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.

M/V FELITSA refuelling

The Bulk Carrier Filitsa, hijacked in the Somali Basin on 11 November 2009, has been released after payment of a ransom.  The Marshall Island Flag Filitsa, with her crew of 22 (19 Filipino and 3 Greek) had been held at the pirate stronghold of Hobyo, on the Somali coast.

Before proceeding on her way the ship required fuel to continue her journey. EU NAVFOR Greek warship Salamis, who was in the area at the time, provided support to the ship and barrels of fuel were transferred.The crew were confirmed to be well and the ship has now continue her voyage.

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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Rear Admiral Bartolomé Bauzá (2nd right) with the Ukrainan Foreign Affairs Minister Poroshenko

On the afternoon 27 January MCC Northwood hosted a short visit by the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Poroshenko, the Deputy MFA Mr Kostiantyn Yelisieiev, the Defence Attaché Col. Kyryliuk and Secretary Nikitov.

During their visit they were given briefings on counter piracy by Rear Admiral Bartolomé Bauzá, Deputy Commander EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta and by NATO’s Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Cdre Hans Helseth (NOR N). At the end of the visit, Minister Poroshenko thanked both organisations for their help and cooperation following the release of the Ukrainian vessel, MV Ariana.

Minister Poroshenko also announced that Ukraine will participate more actively in the international effort to fight piracy and stabilize Somalia. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s intention to offer a Special Forces team to be used as a Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD) on behalf of Operation Atalanta. He confirmed that detailed planning was going to be started in the coming days.

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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Navarra escorts MV Power Star

On the 23rd of January, EU NAVFOR Warship ESPS NAVARRA completed successfully the escort of MV POWER STAR to Salalah.

The World Food Programme chartered vessel left Mombassa on the 13th of January and initially met EU Warship FGS BREMEN and was accompanied until treaching Mogadishu. From there ESPS NAVARRA took  responsibility for escorting the ship to her final destination.

Both EUNAVFOR Warships provided close protection to the MV POWER STAAR while transiting the Somali coast and across the Gulf of Aden. These waters have recently witnessed a number of attempted pirate hijackings.

MV POWER STAR was chartered by the WFP office in Nairobi (Kenya) and is carrying humanitarian aid to Somalia. No WFP chartered vessels has been hijacked since the beginning of EU NAVFOR mission in December 2008.

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