New Deputy Operation Commander for EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia
On 30th July 2017, Rear Admiral Luc-Marie LEFEBVRE (French Navy) handed over the role of Deputy Operation Commander (DCOM) of the European Union Naval Force in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED) – operation Sophia – to Rear Admiral Gilles BOIDEVEZI (French Navy).
The handover was conducted at the EUNAVFOR MED Operation Headquarters (OHQ) in Rome.
Rear Admiral Lefebvre joined Operation EUNAVFOR MED OHQ on 18th January 2017 and he will now return to the French Naval action Force, in Toulon.
Speaking about his time at the OHQ, Rear Admiral Lefebvre said: “being part of the Operation EUNAVFOR MED has been a tremendous and exciting experience. We have seen with recent seizures that Operation Sophia is a full capable maritime force patrolling at sea willing to disrupt smugglers’ business model. It is a great achievement for the CSDP and Europe committed in a comprehensive approach to address migration in the Mediterranean. Given the strategic situation in Libya, we must remain ready to adapt to potential game changers.
To my successor and all those engaged in this operation, I wish continued success, the best of luck and fair winds and following seas.”
Speaking about his new appointment, Rear Admiral Boidevezi said:
“I am humble and honoured to be appointed as DCOM of the EUNAFOR MED OHQ. I bring with me extensive operations experience and I am ready for the challenges that lie ahead. I am keen to build on our success”.
