During their recent port visit to Salalah, Oman, a delegation from the Ukrainian frigate, Hetman Sagaidachniy, led by Rear Admiral Tarasov, paid a visit to the EU Naval Force flagship, FS Siroco.
The visit was an opportunity for the naval commanders to exchange operational experiences after their ships commenced counter-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia.
On completion of the talks, the EU Force Commander, Rear Admiral Blejean, presented Admiral Tarasov with the Operation Atalanta medal.
Prior to ITS Libeccio’s return to Italy after her four month tour of duty with the EU Naval Force, the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Stefano Calvetti, also took time to rendezvous with FS Siroco – this time at sea.
The EU Force Commander, Rear Admiral Blejean, took the opportunity to salute the achievements of Commander Calvetti and his ship’s company. Afterwards he presented Commander Calvetti with his Operation Atalanta medal for his “decisive actions and service from 6 October 2013 to 6 February 2014.”
There are currently five warships participating in the EU’s counter piracy operation off the coast of Somalia.
[mappress] Press Release, February 20, 2014, 2014; Image: EU Navfor