May 22, the EU Naval Force Operation Commander was welcomed on board Flag Ship FS MARNE to visit the ‘in theatre’ Force Commander and his staff.
In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Operation Commander Rear Admiral Duncan Potts visited FS MARNE and met EUNAVFOR Force Commander Rear Admiral Jean-Baptiste Dupuis and his staff. Admiral Potts exchanged views on the current situation in the area with different members of the task force staff. The meeting was an ideal opportunity to enhance cohesion between the task force and the EU HQ.
The French officers and allies from the staff, drew up an initial review of operations since the handover from the previous Spanish Flag Ship PATIÑO on April 7, and emphasised the significant and encouraging decrease in pirate activity over recent months. Addressing the entire staff of the force, the Operation Commander congratulated them on their hard work and progress since the start of their tour.
Rear-Admiral Dupuis agreed that the improved situation is due to military action, coupled with the adoption by merchant vessels of security measures (Best Management Practices). The scourge of piracy is not eradicated and only the improvement of the situation in Somalia could allow a return to normality. In this sense, Operation Atalanta interacts with the navies of the region to help them further develop their own capabilities, as part of the comprehensive approach of the European Union in Somalia.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , May 25, 2012; Image: EUNAVFOR