More than 7000 miles travelled and over 800 hours of riding: these are the numbers that characterised the participation of the Italian patrol boat in the mission European Naval Force in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFORMED) IRINI.
After almost two months spent in the waters of the Central Mediterranean, Nave Commander Bettica has completed its commitment in the aforementioned European operation.
On October 4th, under the command of frigate captain Francesco Marangio, the unit set sail from the port of Augusta, with a crew of approximately 80 sailors, both men and women, becoming part of the task force and in particular of the multinational naval device, thus contributing to the safety and freedom of maritime traffic in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Among the results to be counted during the almost one hundred days of activity: the monitoring of 508 merchant ships, cooperation and training activities with other units of the European navies, including the Greek unit. Limnos and the French Lafayette.
The operational activity was accompanied by diplomatic and representative activities, with visits to national and foreign sources including Valletta (MT) and Souda (GR). For the crew of the ship Bettica an intense and successful mission has concluded: thanks to the contribution of the Navy, the IRINI operation contributed to the implementation of the United Nations Resolutions aimed at combating illicit trafficking (arms, oil and human beings) to and from Libya, ensuring greater security and fewer dangers for free navigation in the Mediterranean.
Nave's contribution is over Bettica, the Navy's commitment in EUNAVFORMED IRINI continues, with the symbolic passing of the baton to the ship Foscari.