The multimission frigate Carlo Margottini, engaged in the Indian Ocean leading the operation Atalanta and headquarters of the Naval Force command (flagship), after conducting patrolling and familiarization along the northern Somali coast, met at sea with the Spanish supply vessel Patiño, also engaged along the coast of eastern Somalia. This meeting at sea, just over a week from the beginning of the mission, represents the completion of a phase in which the naval units, the organic helicopters and the two MPRA (Maritime Patrol and Reconnaisance Aircraft) aircraft have carried out surveillance and demonstration in the eyes of the maritime operators of the area the presence of the European Task Force.
In fact, in the waters off the Horn of Africa, the two units conducted joint training, mainly focused on refueling at sea, RAS (Refueling at sea), but more generally the joint training served to strengthen interoperability. the rapid reaction capacity of the crews in the different operational needs and to test the level of readiness of the same.
The refueling at sea, given the level of coordination it needs to be implemented, the reduced distances between the ships in navigation and the delicacy in maneuvering equipment in tension, represents an excellent formative moment for the crews.
The event was also a formative moment for the young vessel officers of the Margottini and for the crews of both units who were able to practice kinematic maneuvers with high difficulty with a series of maneuvers for changes and passages in the different configurations in which the military units are expected to navigate. The activity was also characterized by the use of the air-naval means of the Task Force such as the Spanish SH-60B helicopter and the P-3M maritime patrol aircraft. Orion, also Spanish, contextually engaged in the operation area for reconnaissance activities.
The force commander of Operation Atalanta, Rear Admiral Simone Malvagna was received on board of ship Patiño, welcomed by commander Ricardo Fernàndez Lòpez, where he had the opportunity to meet the Spanish crew almost reached the end of the mandate under the European flag. Simultaneously with the visit of the force commander on board the Spanish unit, a Spanish delegation was received aboard the flagship Margottini to foster the integration and cohesion between the crews of the two nations and support an increasingly effective cooperation and coordination in the fight against piracy.
At the end of the activity, the units of the Task Force resumed patrolling to maintain a clear situation at sea and along the coast for an effective deterrence and fight against piracy at sea.
