Frigate ‘Numancia’ leaves Rota Naval Base to integrate into Operation ‘EUNAVFOR MED SOPHIA’

F-80 frigate ‘Numancia’ set sail this morning from Rota towards the Italian port of Catania to relieve her sister ship ‘Santa María’ currently deployed in Operation ‘Sophia’ in the Mediterranean. The ‘Numancia’ will remain in the area until October 20th when another Spanish ship will take her place. The frigate, under command of Cdr. Isidro Carrara, has a complement of 215 people. The farewell ceremony was presided over by Rear-admiral Ricardo Hernández, Commander Naval Action Group-2.

‘Sophia’ is a multinational mission led by the EU intended to prevent the loss of lives at sea as a consequence of the current humanitarian crisis. Its main goal is to interrupt the illegal trafficking of people in the Central Mediterranean.

Spain is contributing with an Air Force maritime patrol aircraft P-3 ‘Orion’ stationed in Sigonella and a warship. The security of Spain starts beyond its borders, wherever instability may occur.

With the contribution of its Armed forces to the different international operations, Spain actively participates to improve and achieve world security, and its own security. The closeness of the Libyan conflict is an important setback for the security of the European Union and Spain. In addition, the illegal trafficking of people is a criminal activity which helps finance terrorist groups.