Spain has once again assumed command of Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta, the European Union naval mission aimed at combating piracy and protecting maritime traffic in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The handover was formalized on June 12 at the Port of Djibouti, where Spanish Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz took command of the 50th rotation of EUNAVFOR, succeeding Italian Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, who had led the mission since February 2025.
The Spanish Navy frigate Navarra now serves as the operation’s new flagship, taking over from the Italian vessel Rizzo. The ceremony was presided over by Operation Atalanta Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, and attended by international civil and military authorities.
During the 49th rotation, the force carried out numerous patrols and high-level joint exercises, including maneuvers with the Indian Navy, Exercise ALDABRA IV with the Seychelles Defense Forces, and training with Djibouti and other international partners. Several piracy incidents were also successfully managed, resulting in the safe release of vessels and crews without serious consequences.
Vice Admiral Villanueva emphasized the importance of the European presence in the region:
“With your presence in Somali waters, you have made a unique contribution to the international deterrence effort, which has intensified since the resurgence of piracy in 2023. It is precisely your constant vigilance that has prevented further attacks in recent months.”
Rear Admiral Vázquez Sanz, for his part, highlighted the mission’s broader commitment beyond tactical security, focusing on “regional stability” and “cooperation with local authorities and the international community.”
EUNAVFOR’s headquarters, located at the naval base in Rota (Cádiz), coordinates all multinational assets in the area, operating under the mission’s mandate and the strategic direction of the Spanish headquarters.
