The Spanish Navy assumes command of operation ‘Atalanta’.

Spanish Rear-admiral Alfonso Gómez Fernández de Córdoba assumed command of the European Union counter-piracy operation ‘Atalanta’ in the Indian Ocean.

The ceremony held on board the HNLMS ‘Johan de Witt’ was presided over by the Spanish Minister of Defense, Pedro Morenés, and the Chief of the Joint Staff, Admiral Fernando García.

The new FHQ Staff embarked on board the LPD ‘Galicia’ to continue with the operation which started back in 2008 in order to provide protection to UN World Food Program (WFP) ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa.

Rear-admiral Alfonso Gómez will command two Spanish warships and an aircraft, plus a German frigate and aircraft and an Italian frigate. The LPD ‘Galicia’ will be the task force flagship relieving the OPV ‘Rayo’.

LPD ‘Galicia’ will be command ship

This is the third time the ‘Galicia’ deploys in operation ‘Atalanta’ but the first to operate as command ship. For this mission, another Spanish warship, the offshore patrol vessel ‘Infanta Cristina’ is also deployed in the area.

The ‘Galicia’ will operate two SH-3D helicopters and, for the first time, four remotely piloted air vehicles. Additionally, an 11-strong Marine Corps Special Operations squad also embarked for security tasks, as well as a medical team with Role 2 capability.