NATO’s Ocean Shield Operation Commander Updates on Progress

After having assumed Command of Task Force 508 on 7th December 2012, Rear Admiral Antonio Natale reflects on his busy first month as the Commander of NATO’s counter piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield.

The ships’ companies of the current task force; namely, ITS San Marco, USS Halyburton, TCG Gokova and HDMS Iver Huitfeldt have been instrumental in providing a vital presence which is key to deterring pirate activity. The ships have also been carrying out surveillance within the area of operations, which is vital to build up intelligence so that pirate activity can be disrupted. All this requires the ships to be poised in a constant state of readiness and this has allowed the Force to successfully disrupt two significant pirate attacks, on the 16th December and 8th January. In addition, on two separate occasions the task force was also able to provide medical assistance to merchant vessels transiting the area.

Naval diplomacy also plays a crucial role in the NATO counter piracy mission. During the past month, the force has made sustained efforts to follow up on engagement with key partners and allies through liaison visits. This has also included efforts to local actors, regional stakeholders and global partners.

“It has been an intense month so far, and if beginning is easy, gaining momentum is the challenge”, Rear Admiral Antonio Natale commented upon the farewell to USS Halyburton, sailing back home after 5 months of deployment and HDMS Iver Huitfeldt, when their crew was renewed after 3 months of activity.

For the last 8 months, pirates have been unsuccessful in their attacks against merchant vessels, however the situation off the Horn of Africa remains precarious. All actors in the regions must remain vigilant, and NATO will continue to work with partners to guarantee maritime security and freedom of navigation.

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Naval Today Staff, January 24, 2013; Image: NATO