On 28th August, Italian warship, ITS Virginio Fasan, welcomed representatives of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) during a port visit to Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman.
Senior Officers from the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) were received on board by Captain Michel Orini, Commanding Officer, of EU NAVFOR flagship ITS Virginio Fasan. They discussed Operation Atalanta’s on-going counter-piracy mission and the flagship’s capabilities.
Before departing the EU NAVFOR warship, the RNO representatives had a tour of the ITS Fasan’s control rooms and flight deck talking to the crew and signing the visitors book.
These types of interactions are an excellent way to strengthen cooperation, mutual understanding and friendship between the Royal Omani Navy and the EU Naval Force.
EU Naval Force’s key mission is to protect World Food Programme ships carrying food aid to the Somali people, and AMISOM ships from piracy attack. EU Naval Force warships also deter and disrupt acts of piracy in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden and monitor fishing activities. They also, when requested to do so, and within means and capabilities, support other EU missions and international organisations, such as the UN to strengthen maritime security and capacity in the region.