At the conclusion of an intense period of command at sea aboard the destroyer Caio Duilio, Commodore Konstantinos Pitykakis handed over tactical command of the operation to Commodore Mikhail Pantouvakis, who will assume command of the maritime device aboard Nave Martinengo, new flagship of the operation.
The handover ceremony, presided over by the Operational Commander, Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, was attended by civil and military authorities of the Region, as well as European representatives, including the German Ambassador Hieke Fuller.
During the rotation Under the Greek leadership, launched on 2 November 2024, the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operation has continued with determination to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security in one of the most sensitive and strategic areas of the international landscape, including the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.
In this complex scenario, the Navy has confirmed its central role in maritime security operations, offering its ship as flagship for the international staff led by Greek Admiral Pitykakis. A gesture that underlines Italy's commitment to supporting multinational cooperation, integration and interchangeability between allied navies, actively contributing to the success of the operation and maintaining stability in the Region.
