Change of the Commander of Operation Safe Sea in Taranto

(To Marina Militare)
28/12/18

It took place aboard the European Multi-Mission Frigate Carabiniere, moored in the Mar Grande Naval Station of Taranto, the ceremony for the rotation of the tactical command of Operation Mare Secure (WHO). In the presence of the commander in chief of the naval squad, squad admiral Donato Marzano, rear admiral Flavio Biaggi, commander of the third naval division, passed the baton to the division admiral Aurelio De Carolis, commander of the second naval division and, at the same time, the European Multi Mission Frigate Alpine took over the task of unit flags of the operation.

Admiral Biaggi, since last November 13, has managed the operations of the air-naval device that operates to protect national interests for the protection of communication lines, commercial vessels, national off-shore platforms and for the fight against illicit traffic and deterrence against criminal organizations. During this period the 6 ships that have alternated in the device have traveled over 23000 nautical miles to patrol an area of ​​approximately 160000 square kilometers.

"The Mare Sicuro operation is a typical operation of the Navy, which deals with Maritime Security", Admiral Marzano reiterated in his speech, "the operation's vessels have been continuously providing presence, surveillance and deterrence for four years, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year to protect the national strategic interests." "Sea Ships have operated at Christmas and will also operate on New Year's Eve where necessary ".

During his engagement in the device, the frigate Carabiniere, headquarters of the WHO command, has also conducted operations of law enforcement together with a unit of the Guardia di Finanza, against a fishing boat suspected of favoring illegal immigration acting as a "mother ship". Last November 22, in fact, the ship of the Navy intervened to prevent the suspected fishing boat from entering the Libyan territorial waters, then conducting, with a team of riflemen from the San Marco navy Brigade, inspections jointly with the personnel of the Guardia di Finanza.

At the end of the ceremony, Admiral De Carolis headed for the frigate Alpine, with which he will leave Taranto to head in the Central Mediterranean.

The Operation Sea Safe, launched 12 March 2015 following the evolution of the Libyan crisis, provides for the deployment of a naval device to ensure activities of presence, surveillance and security in the central Mediterranean and the Strait of Sicily, in application of the legislation national and international agreements in force.

The Operation Sea Safe continues, even during the Christmas holidays, to ensure activities of presence and surveillance fundamental for the maritime security of the central Mediterranean.