During the last two months, a Danish Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Challenger (CL604) from the Royal Danish Air Force provided support to NATO’s counter-piracy Operation OCEAN SHIELD (OOS) under the control of Maritime Air Directorate (MARAIR).
This MPA was stationed in the Seychelles between 23 September and 22 November and its aircrew and support team (2 Danish liaison officers in MARCOM) performed an excellent job in support of NATO’s counter-piracy operation.
The Assistant Chief of Staff MARAIR, Captain Colin Walsh (USA N) and the officer in charge of OOS, Lieutenant Christine Godelain (FRA N) visited the detachment before their departure to acknowledge the crew’s professionalism and to witness firsthand their seamless ability to integrate with the counter-piracy Task Force.
It was also an opportunity to engage with Seychellois authorities. MARAIR is looking forward to the next Maritime Patrol Aircraft deployment which is planned to happen next year.
Following this two month deployment, Deputy Chief of Staff MARAIR, Rear Admiral Thomas J. Ernst (DEU N), sent his “BRAVO-ZULU” to the Danish team.
[mappress] Press Release, December 3, 2013; Image: NATO ACO