EUNAVFOR MED IRINI: Change of Command of the Forces at Sea

(To EUNAVFOR MED Irini)
04/10/24

It took place today, on board the Italian frigate Grecale, the handover ceremony between the tactical commanders of the operation EU Naval Force Mediterranean IRINI.

Greek Commodore Prokopios Charitos, appointed by the European Union's Political and Security Committee (CoPS), replaced Italian Admiral Armando SIMI, who led the European Task Force (TF 464) for the past six months.

Rear Admiral Valentino Rinaldi expressed his gratitude to Rear Admiral SIMI and the personnel involved in the operation for their dedication and professionalism during the intense period of activity. He also underlined the importance of their role in supporting the UN arms embargo on Libya and in ensuring maritime security in the Central Mediterranean.

"Building on the capabilities provided by Member States and the extensive experience developed over time, Operation IRINI continues to support impartially and effectively the implementation of the UN Security Council arms embargo on Libya, as well as providing an important contribution to countering oil and human smuggling networks through the collection and sharing of information with relevant international organizations and agencies.", said Rear Admiral Rinaldi.

The command of TF 464 alternates between Italy and Greece every six months, with responsibility for the tactical command of all naval and air assets assigned by EU Member States, operating in the Central Mediterranean. Italy and Greece also provide the flagship from which the force commander (FCDR), supported by a multinational staff of approximately 20 people.

Il force commander reports directly to the Operation Commander (OPCDR), who exercises operational control from the Italo-European Headquarters (IT EU OHQ) in Centocelle, Rome. Logistical support to the operation is provided from bases located in the European hubs of Augusta, Souda, Sigonella and Pantelleria.

Over the past six months, IRINI has monitored 1892 merchant vessels transiting the area of ​​operations through hailings and conducted 68 friendly approaches. In addition, in line with its mandate, two boardings were conducted on vessels suspected of violating the arms embargo. The operation also monitored approximately 170 flights of interest to and from Libya.

From today, Commodore Charitos will assume command of Task Force IRINI aboard the new flagship, the Greek frigate Limnos, and will continue to contribute to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya and oversee maritime security operations in the Central Mediterranean.