Wednesday January the 13th the Norwegian contribution to the EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta, HNOMS Fridtjof Nansen headed home. The last six months have been busy for the frigate conducting various tasks including escorting ships for the UN World Food Program, protecting other vulnerable vessels and deterring and disrupting piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin.
-A third of the Somali population is depending upon sea-borne aid. Contributing to a safe voyage for ships sailing for the UN World food Programme has been a highly meaningful task for us, said the frigate’s Commanding Officer Ole Morten Sandquist.
According to EU NAVFOR, the Norwegian contribution has been extremely welcome in helping to deal with a difficult and persistent international problem off Somalia. Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, Operational Commander of EU NAVFOR stated “I am extremely grateful for Fridtjof Nansen’s outstanding contribution to the EU Naval Force and, as a fundamental part of TF 465, the ships and crew have made a telling impact on the operation by reassuring the merchant community of the EU resolve” (Read more about EU NAVFORs comments on Fridtjof Nansen).
Fridtjof Nansen and her crew are now on their way back to Norway, where they are expected to arrive at the end of January. Commander Sandquist says that “It has been very motivating and encouraging to work in such a fine international environment with our companions in the European Union. It is therefore with mixed feelings that we are leaving the force”.