EU Navfor’s Ship HS Psara Heads Home

After three months of contributing in the fight against piracy with the EU Naval Force Somalia Operation Atalanta, the Hellenic warship HS Psara heads home to Greece.

It was the second time HS Psara has participated in the Counter-Piracy Operation Atalanta as she previously joined the EU Naval Forces in December 2008. During this deployment she was the first EU Naval Force flagship for the mission off the coast of Somalia.

During their deployment the ships company of 198 men and women was involved in escorting ships carrying humanitarian aid for the World Food Programme as well as other vulnerable vessels in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) and wider High Risk Area.

The multi-role frigate carried a Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk helicopter which was used during a number of tasks during the deployment. For example, it gave medical and technical assistance to seafarers in need.

Furthermore, throughout her deployment, HS PSARA worked closely with all the other counter-piracy ships and Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft in the area of operation from three different task forces.

Three months have passed and HS Psara is leaving the Indian Ocean with her flag hoisted high. The Commanding Officer, Commander Ioannis Christou, satisfied from the crew’s great efforts to support the operation, said: “We are happy to set sail back to our homeport having contributed a small part in a noble goal. We have gained unique experiences from participating in a mission of such a humanitarian importance by providing a feeling of security to the merchant community. HS Psara is proud to have had that chance for the second time.”

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Press Release, May 13, 2014; Image: EU Navfor