The LPD ‘Galicia’ set sail from Rota Naval Base to participate in operation ‘Atalanta’ as command ship

The amphibious assault ship ‘Galicia’ has set sail from Rota Naval Base towards the Indian Ocean to take part in the counter piracy operation ‘Atalanta’. On this occasion, the ship will operate as command ship of the force and, to this end, the Spanish rear admiral Alfonso Gómez Fernández de Córdoba embarked with his Staff.

Vice-admiral Juan Rodríguez Garat, the Naval Action Force Admiral, presided over the farewell ceremony. The ‘Galicia’ will participate in the operation during the next six months. She is the fifth Spanish Navy ship to operate in this EU-led deployment as command ship and it is the third time the LPD ‘Galicia’ takes part in operation ‘Atalanta’.

For this deployment the ‘Galicia’ has embarked two SH-3D helicopters and four unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) in addition to an 11-strong Marine Corps security squad.

Operation ‘Atalanta’

This deployment is part of the Spanish commitment with this EU mission which started back in 2008 to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the coast of Somalia protecting commercial shipping, World Food Program (WFP) transport ships and trawlers working in the area, as well as enhancing maritime security.