On Monday 26th March one of Portugal’s largest warships, the Vasco de Gama Class frigate NRP CORTE REAL added its name to the list of EU ships (EUNAVFOR) operating in the Horn of Africa.
It will set out immediately on its mission to counter piracy and protect World Food Program (WFP) shipments to Somalia.
Commissioned into the Portuguese navy in 1990 the CORTE REAL is no stranger to the Horn of Africa, having previously worked to prevent piracy under the NATO Operation OCEAN SHIELD. With the ability to embark two lynx helicopters her contribution to scouting the seas for piracy will be greatly valued.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , March 27, 2012; Image: eunavfor