On Wednesday 23 April the German Secretary of Defence, Ursula von der Leyen, visited the EU Naval Force flagship, FGS Brandenburg during the German warship’s port visit to Djibouti. In what was her first visit to the German Navy since her inauguration, she met the troops from the European Union’s counter-piracy operation, Atalanta.
The Secretary of Defence also met the crew from the German Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Detachment and the German Liaison and Support team who are stationed in Djibouti. Ursula von der Leyen was able to see for herself the high level of training and motivation that the ships and aircraft crews have to fulfil their duties for such an important counter-piracy operation.
“Politically, and with regards to the achievement of the mission objectives, the operation Atalanta is one of EU’s most successful missions. The soldiers are right to be proud of what they do here”, the German Secretary of Defence stated.
[mappress] Press Release, April 28, 2014; Image: EU Navfor