On Saturday 5 October, the counter piracy Force Commanders from Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the EU Naval Force and NATO met at sea off the Somali Coast on board the EU Naval Force flagship, HNLMS Johan de Witt.
The aim of the meeting was to review the current and future situation concerning piracy in the Indian Ocean and to share information.
Commodore Peter Lenselink, from the Royal Netherlands Navy, welcomed on board Commodore Jeremy Blunden from the Royal Navy (CMF) and Commodore Henning Amundsen from the Royal Norwegian Navy (NATO Operation Ocean Shield).
Due to the sheer size of the counter piracy sea areas off the Somali Coast, it is not often that the Force Commanders’ flagships operate close to each other, therefore the Force Commanders took the opportunity to arrange a joint meeting.
Speaking about the event, Commodore Peter Lenselink said “It is important that the Force Commanders from CMF, the EU Naval Force and NATO meet at sea. It helps to reinforce our close coordination and cooperation, that has had such a direct and positive impact on the effectiveness to contain piracy in this very large operation area.”
Commodore Jeremy Blunden agreed that the meeting was productive. “Countering the pirate threat in Somalia is an international effort. We have had a good meeting between the multinational forces which will pave the way for even better coordination and continued pressure to deter any Somalis considering taking up piracy.”
Commodore Henning Amundsen added “This was a great opportunity for us to come together and discuss and share information in our joint efforts in countering piracy.”
[mappress] Press Release, October 08, 2013; Image: EU NAVFOR