On 3 July 2013, whilst conducting counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, the Force Commander of the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR), Commodore Jorge Novo Palma, met with the Commander of the NATO counter-piracy Operation Ocean Shield, Commodore Henning Amundsen.
HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen, flagship of the NATO operation, hosted the meeting between both Force Commanders, which provided an excellent opportunity to discuss and strengthen the high level of co-operation that exists between the two forces fighting against piracy off Somalia. The co-ordination and unity of effort was highlighted during the meeting; operational and planning details were also discussed. Both operations are working to eradicate piracy off the coast of Somalia; to this end maintaining high levels of co-ordination, co-operation, and information sharing are essential.
Speaking after the meeting, Commodore Jorge Novo Palma stated that, “It is commonly understood that piracy is not over, but contained. The success, shown through a significant reduction in piracy activity, is also an indicator of the successful actions of all naval forces operating in the region. One of the reasons we are highly effective is due to the robust co-operation and co-ordination standards achieved with the other counter-piracy actors and with industry.”
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Press Release, July 5, 2013; Image: EUNAVFOR