On 19 July 2013, Read Admiral Eric Dupont (French Navy) handed over the role of Deputy Operation Commander (DCOM) of the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia – Operation Atalanta to Rear Admiral Jean Martens (German Navy). The handover took place at the Operation Headquarters (OHQ) in Northwood, London.
Rear Admiral Dupont joined the Operation in January 2013. On leaving the OHQ he was applauded by the staff of EU NAVFOR for his hard work and efforts. He returns to France where in his next assignment he will oversee the trials and commissioning of new equipment in the French Navy.
Following the handover, Rear Admiral Martens said:
“I am delighted to take over as the DCOM of the EU Naval Force from Rear Admiral Dupont. I want to thank him for his great support during the handover. I am now in the position to build on his excellent contribution to the operation and look forward to taking the operation further. We will continue to work hard to keep the pressure on pirates and to ensure the safety of seafarers in the waters off the coast of Somalia.”
[mappress] Press Release, July 22, 2013; Image:EU NAVFOR