On 24 April the Force Commander of the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation Atalanta, Commodore Jorge Novo Palma, visited ESPS Rayo. It was the first time to personally meet Rayo’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Commander Rafael Hernandez Rodriguez, and his crew.
During the short visit Rayo’s Commanding Officer briefed the Force Commander on the capabilities of the BAM (Buque de Acción Marítima – Offshore Patrol Vessel ) as well as the specific preparations of the ship and crew for the deployment with the EU Naval Force.
While visiting the main command and control rooms of ESPS Rayo, Commodore Palma appreciate the integrated approach concept implemented on the bridge, operations room and machinery control room.
Before returning to the flagship, Commodore Jorge Novo Palma addressed the crew, stating that “during this short visit to Rayo, I was able to understand why you have such a professional way of dealing with your tasks and I have to congratulate your Commanding Officer and you all for accomplishing the tasks that have challenged you since the beginning of your deployment in the 26 of February”. The Force Commander concluded his statement by wishing that all the crew’s relatives back home in Spain are well, surely waiting for their return home on the completion of a successful deployment.
With a crew of 85 men and women including the boarding and security team and the air wing to support and operate the embarked helicopter, ESPS Rayo has proven to be an efficient and reliable asset. Her tasks while operating with the EU Naval Force included the escort of World Food Program vessels, counter piracy tasks and the protection of vulnerable shipping within the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor and the High Risk Area.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, April 29, 2013; Image: EU NAVFOR