On Wednesday 11 December the Force Commander of EUNAVFOR, Rear Admiral Hervé Bléjéan, visited ITS Libeccio. The Italian warship is currently conducting counter piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean as part of the European Union’s Operation Atalanta.
The visit was an opportunity for the Commanding Officer of ITS Libeccio, Commander Stefano Calvetti, to introduce the Admiral to the men and women serving on board his warship.
The Admiral was given a tour of the ship, which enabled him to gain a full appreciation of ITS Libeccio’s capabilities in countering piracy. Prior to its departure from Italy, the ship was enhanced with personnel and equipment from navy deep-sea divers, marines of the San Marco Brigade and a naval aviation crew.
During a speech on the flight deck, the Admiral stated that he was pleased with the positive, flexible and proactive attitude amongst all the crew and he expressed his thanks for their achievements in deterring piracy so far.
As Admiral Bléjéan was celebrating his 50 birthday, the Italian chefs on board presented him with a surprise birthday cake.
[mappress] Press Release, December 13, 2013; Image: EU Navfor