On February 12, 2024, the European Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR) conducted a meeting between Brigadier General Rogelio Paulo Figueira Martins de Brito of Portugal and Rear Admiral Francesco Saladino of Italy in the port of Djibouti during the European Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta. It was announced that a handover ceremony for the unit headquarters was held.
EUNAVFOR Press Release
Italy’s Rear Admiral Francesco Saladino will take command of the 46th rotation as force commander of the European Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta. He will take over command of Task Force 465 from Portugal’s Brigadier General Rogelio Paulo Figueira Martins de Brito, who has assumed command since December 3, 2023. The ceremony, which took place aboard the Spanish ship Victoria in the port of Djibouti, was chaired by EUNAVFOR Deputy Operations Commander. Maj. Gen. Eric Duson.
Maj. Gen. Duson expressed his deepest gratitude to the outgoing unit commander, the crew of ESPS Victoria, and the Atalanta detachment in Djibouti for their efforts. “Nothing would have been accomplished without the unflinching determination of the men and women of Task Force 465,” he said. “It is our job to maintain our dedication and determination to continue to counter and deter piracy and illegal activities in the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin,” Maj. Gen. Duson continued in his welcome to the new commander.
Over the past few months, the situation in the region has become very active due to an increase in piracy. The 45th rotation has successfully completed its deployment and continues to monitor the situation to strengthen its network with national partners in the region and improve maritime security in the region.
“We are fully aware of the importance of Operation Atalanta, which can significantly contribute to stabilizing the region and improving security. At the same time, we feel a high sense of responsibility for the adequacy of our involvement. That motivates me to do my best.”
Major General Francesco Saladino, commander of the Army
He will lead the 46th Operation Atalanta, with the Italian warship ITS Martinengo as the flagship for Operation Atalanta.
The ceremony was attended by multiple international and local civilian and military authorities, including several European Union ambassadors and commanders of various forces in the region.
The Force Headquarters, under the command of Operations Headquarters in Rota (Spain), is an embarked front command station deployed in the Atalanta area of operations and is responsible for tactical command of all EUNAVFOR multinational assets in the region. Its primary responsibility is to carry out operations at the operational and tactical levels under the direction of the Operation Atalanta mission and operational headquarters.
Currently, three vessels are providing related support to the operation: the French warships FS ALSACE and FS LANGUEDOC, and the Italian warship ITS DUILIO. In the coming weeks, the Spanish frigate ESPS Canarias will also take part in the operation.