During a recent port visit to Dar es Salaam, sailors from Operation Atalanta’s Italian warship, ITS Euro, took the opportunity to visit local children.
The crew members arrived at the Kindergarten in Kawe and the Vinvunguti Orphanage with supplies of food, medicine and learning materials. The children showed off their musical skills and taught the sailors how to play their favourite games in the sunshine.
“Being able to give our time to these children is such a privilege,” said the Commanding Officer of ITS Euro, Commander Giuseppe Aletta. “My crew finds this one of the most rewarding aspects of deploying on Op Atalanta.”
Although primarily on a counter-piracy operation, the EU Naval Force sailors are well-placed to get out and about in local communities, providing assistance to local organisations whilst alongside on port-visits. After a few days in port, the sailors will return to their duties at sea, patrolling the waters off Somalia to maintain maritime-security and keep seafarers safe.
Image: EU Navfor