LPD ‘Castilla’ left Rota Naval Base to integrate into Operation ‘Atalanta’

The amphibious ship ‘Castilla’ set sail from Rota Naval Base to integrate into the European Union counter-piracy Operation ‘Atalanta’ in the Indian Ocean. The farewell ceremony was presided over by the Fleet Commander, Admiral Juan Rodriguez Garat.

The ‘Castilla’ will relieve the OPV ‘Meteoro’ deployed in the area since April. The ‘Castilla’ embarked two SH-60 helicopters from the 10th aircraft squadron, and the ship’s complement was also augmented by a Marine Corps security squad and a medical team (ROLE-2).

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, disrupting the endeavors of illegal mother ships and neutralizing pirate bases ashore, as well as enhancing maritime security in the area within the framework of the European Union Common Defense and Security Policy.

The Spanish Navy is the only European navy which has continually contributed with warships to this operation from the very beginning in 2008. Spain also contributes to Operation ‘Atalanta’ with the so-called ‘Orion’ Detachment in Djibouti with around 50 military servicemen.