The frigate ‘Navarra’ returned to Rota Naval Base after participating in operation ‘Atalanta’

The frigate ‘Navarra’ has just arrived at Rota Naval Base after deploying five and a half months off the coast of Somalia fighting piracy in operation ‘Atalanta’. It has been the second time the ‘Navarra’ deployed in this EU-led operation, started in 2009.

In the course of the deployment the ‘Navarra’ conducted a series of missions like escorting UN ‘World Food Program’ ships, monitoring the IRTC (International Recommended Transit Corridor) in the Gulf of Aden, training local law-enforcement personnel and carrying out many friendly visits to trawlers and merchant ships, thus preventing pirates from operating in the area. The ship has sailed more than 31,000 miles.

The ‘Navarra’ provided assistance to two French sail boats adrift with fuel and provisions and helped train Tanzanian Navy personnel as part of the ‘EUCAP Nestor’ operation intended to enhance maritime security capabilities of regional navies. A meeting was also arranged onboard with local authorities to inform them on the military activities carried out in the Indian Ocean on the one hand, and to get information on the social situation of the civil population on the other.

On December 8th the frigate ‘Navarra’ was relieved by the oceanic patrol boat ‘Rayo’, concluding a very successful deployment where no pirate attacks were recorded during 140 days.