Spanish P3 Orion departs Op Sophia

After more than 4 months of deployment in Sigonella Air Base in Italy, the Spanish Maritime Patrol Aircraft P3 Orion has left EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia.

The P3 Orion was substituted by another Spanish aircraft, the CN-235-VIGMA D4.

Having joined the European Union operation to tackle the human traffickers and smugglers activity in the Central Mediterranean sea last 15th of September 2015, the Spanish Air Force P3 Orion, managed by “destacamento Grappa”, carried out 44 operational missions for a total of more than 310 flight hours.

Its main assignment has been to collect intelligence and conduct reconnaissance. The crew of the P3 Orion have spotted several rubber boats with migrants on board and are responsible for the rescue of numerous lives at sea.

The results were highlighted and praised by EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Force Commander, Rear Admiral (LH) Andrea GUEGLIO , who visited the Spanish detachment during the farewell ceremony.