The Bergamini frigate of the Navy leaves the Atalanta operation after three months of activity

(To Marina Militare)
23/05/20

The frigate Carlo Bergamini of the Italian Navy has concluded its participation in the European anti-piracy operation Atalanta, during which he carried out presence and surveillance duties in the Gulf of Aden and in the Indian Ocean, along maritime traffic lines, strategic for national and European interests.

Among the tasks of the mission, within the broader framework of the Naval Diplomacy, the unit contributed to consolidating the collaboration relationships with the countries of the area and with local communities. Ship in the next few days Bergamini will return to Taranto.

From February 15 ship Bergamini has operated continuously in the EU NAVFOR Somalia device, effectively contributing to countering piracy in the area by patrolling the waters most at risk and traveling over 14.700 miles, for a total of 1740 engine hours, over 140 flight hours - of which 27 at night - of the two helicopters on board, 18 consensual visits (friendly approach / from the boat approach) to boats in Somali waters, 18 Intelligence missions, Surveillance and Reconnaissance of data collection, 31 patrol missions Surface Surveillance Control, 33 days of patrolling in Somali coastal waters and 23 interrogations to merchant ships and boats. The ship also escorted the merchant for two days Juist of the World Food Program.

The operation Atalanta, decided by the European Council in November 2008, is in fact the first European-led maritime military operation. The operation was created to combat piracy in the area of ​​the Horn of Africa (Gulf of Aden and Somali basin), which continues to represent a threat to the freedom of navigation of merchant traffic and in particular, to the transport of humanitarian aid World Food Program.

The mission is attended by naval units and aircrafts located in the area for the surveillance and recognition of suspicious activities attributable to the phenomenon of piracy.