The Maritime Action Ship ‘Tornado’ integrates in Operation ‘Atalanta’

The Maritime Action Ship (BAM in its Spanish initials) ‘Tornado’ has relieved the ‘Meteoro’ in the port of Djibouti as part of EUNAVFOR (European Union Naval Force). It is the first time two sister ships relieve each in the course of this operation.

The ‘Tornado’ will have to protect World Food program (WFP) ships sailing towards Somalia, vulnerable shipping in the area, and will have to verify the implementation of self-defense procedures in the merchant community. The ship will also monitor fishing activities in the zone and carry out surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the IRTC (Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor) to prevent pirate attacks.

Outcome of the mission

The ‘Meteoro’ has participated in the 15th EUNAVFOR rotation and has carried out 79 friendly approaches and two aid interventions: a technical support to a dhow adrift and a medical aid to a member of a dhow crew.

The ship has sailed 22,000 miles in 140 days at sea. Her embarked helicopter has taken part in 68 operations with 137 flight hours. Her complement consists of 51 people plus 17 Air Unit personnel in support of the helicopter, and a 16-strong Special Operations detachment.

The ‘Meteoro’ is now sailing back towards her home port in Las Palmas (Canary Islands) where she is scheduled to arrive at the end of December.