On May 20, MARSIC (Maritime Security and Safety) members visited ESPS REINA SOFIA in Djibouti as part of the EU Naval Force’s regional maritime capacity building effort.
ESPS REINA SOFIA had the opportunity to organise a visit and tour around the ship for a group of MARSIC members. The visit, which took place while the ship was alongside in Djibouti, was attended by people from a range of regional nations. Among them there were people from Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya, Seychelles, Djibouti, Comoros and Mauricio.
MARSIC is an ongoing EU sponsored project to enhance maritime security and safety in the western Indian Ocean by providing information sharing and training opportunities. The project includes several East African states and promotes surveillance and security in their respective territorial waters.
The visitors were received on board by the Commanding Officer, Juan Carlos Gómez Vidal, who had the honor to welcome the group on board with a small speech. After the welcome of the Commanding Officer, the visitors were taken around the frigate.
After the tour, the group was taken to one of the hangars and once there, the Operations Officer started a short conference about ESPS REINA SOFIA’s capacities, focusing on Maritime Security, and Counter-Piracy operations. MARSIC members showed great interest in how such operations were conducted.
The MARSIC members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to exchange information with the EU Warship. The event demonstrated the value of cooperation between multiple nations in combating piracy.
Cooperation with regional countries is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach in the fight against piracy.
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Naval Today Staff , May 25, 2012; Image: EUNAVFOR