Sep
14
THE MOST FROM THE COAST !
Filed Under EN
DIEGO SUAREZ
Madagascar — In the afternoon of 12th
September 2015, the President of the Republic of Madagascar, His
Excellency Hery Martial Rakotoarimanana Rajaonarimampianina,
visited the EU Naval Force flagship, ESPS Galicia, during her
port visit to Diego Suarez.
The President was
accompanied by the Prime Minister, His Excellency Jean
Ravelonarivo, and three Ministers of his Cabinet, as well as the
highest military representatives and some regional and local
civil authorities.
The President was welcomed on board by the EU Force
Commander, Rear Admiral Alfonso Gómez Fernández de Córdoba and
the Commanding Officer of ESPS Galicia, Captain Rafael
Fernández-Pintado Muñoz-Rojas.
He was greeted with the ‘honour of colors’ by the Spanish
Navy crew and Force Headquarters staff.
The Spanish Ambassador, His Excellency Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz
and the European Union Ambassador, His Excellency Antonio
Sánchez-Benedito Gaspar were also in attendance.
The President took the salute from the ship’s company on the
flight deck and addressed the audience. He then wrote in the
ship’s guest of honour book:
“I would like to extend my sincere greetings to Galicia’s
Commanding Officer and his crew, and congratulate you all for
the outstanding work you do to serve your country and for the
peace you help to bring in the world’s oceans.
“Operation Atalanta constitutes the commitment of the EU to
help in the creation of a secure maritime environment in the
Indian Ocean.
“This helps the development of countries in the region.
“The port of Diego Suarez is essential for our operations in
the Somali Basin, and this is why I want to thank local and
national authorities for the support they provide to the naval
units during their visits to this port.” stated the Force
Commander.
Afte a group photograph on the flagship’s flight deck, the
President and his delegation were given a tour of the Spanish
warship, including the bridge, vehicle deck and hospital.
They also visited the Information and Combat Ops Centre and
the Force Headquarters room, where he was introduced to the
members of the staff.
During his visit, the President was given a briefing on the
different operations and activities carried out by the European
Union Naval Force.
Whilst Operation Atalanta’s key roles are to protect World
Food Programme vessels and to deter and disrupt piracy off the
coast of Somalia, as part of the EU’s Comprehensive approach to
the Horn of Africa, EU Naval Force warships also provides
support to other EU missions in the Horn of Africa, such as
EUCAP Nestor, to help enhance regional capacities and strengthen
maritime security.
ESPS Galicia will remain in port until 15th September, when,
after more than four months deployed with Operation Atalanta,
she will start her last patrol in the Indian Ocean.
She will handover her counter-piracy duties in a ceremony in
Djibouti on 6th October 2015.
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