Published in the Sagar Sandesh dated Sept 5, 2012:
The Force Commanders from the EU Naval Force Somalia –
Operation Atalanta (EU NAVFOR), NATO Operation Ocean Shield (TF-508) and Combined
Task Force 151 (operated by the Combined Maritime Forces – CMF) met on board
the EU NAVFOR flagship ITS San Guisto (Italian Navy) to further enhance the
cooperation and coordination in the fight against piracy.
According to a media release, the flagships, ITS San Giusto
(EU NAVFOR), HNLMS Rotterdam (NATO) and the ROKS Wang Geon (CTF-151) rendezvoused in the Gulf of
Aden to allow the three Force Commanders to meet face-to-face.
Dutch NATO Commander Commodore Ben Bekkering and CTF-151
Commander Rear Admiral Anho Chung from the Republic of Korea were welcomed by
Italian EU NAVFOR Force Commander Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino aboard the San
Giusto.
The three counter-piracy forces coordinate their actions on a daily
basis to enhance their capability and effectiveness in deterring, disrupting
and counteracting piracy off the Somali coast and in the Gulf of Aden.
Although
modern means of communications allow reliable long distance exchanges of information
and a continuous flow of communications, face-to face meetings are still very important.
This was the second time that the three main counter-piracy forces have met at sea; the
first time having occurred on July 23 onboard HNMLS Evertsen (former flagship
of Ocean Shield-NATO Commander). The three Force Commanders discussed the
strategic and tactical situation of piracy since the beginning of 2012 and
agreed that, whilst the recent downturn in piracy off Africa is welcomed, that
military forces need to remain vigilant to further attacks by pirates on ships
transiting the area.
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