On Thursday 18 September the Force Commander of the European Union’s counter-piracy Operation Atalanta, Rear Admiral Guido Rando, welcomed Captain Kim Jeong-Hyun, who is the Commanding Officer of the South Korean Destroyer, ROKS Munmu the Great, on board the EU Naval Force flagship, ITS Andrea Doria.
Captain Kim Jeong-Hyun was accompanied by six members of his ship’s company who had been selected to conduct an exchange visit with crew members from ITS Doria and the EU Force HQ staff.
During the visit the officers discussed their respective counter-piracy missions and the current piracy situation in the Horn of Africa region. Rear Admiral Rando additionally described the European Union’s comprehensive approach and how the EU Naval Force is assisting other European Union missions, such as EUCAP NESTOR, to help strengthen the maritime security capabilities of regional states.
The visit was conducted in a friendly atmosphere and underlined the common understanding that exists between many seafaring nations that freedom of movement and the securing of sea lines of communication are paramount in helping to safeguard the prosperity and stability of nations.
[mappress]