Representatives from the Spanish Detachment Grappa based in Sigonella airbase visited the Spanish Frigate Canarias
A Spanish visit to a Spanish ship in Catania harbour
Yesterday, whilst the Spanish frigate Canarias was alongside in Catania harbour, a delegation of Spanish officers assigned to Sigonella airbase
took the chance to visit her. The Spanish ship Canarias was assigned in operation SOPHIA since last January. The Commanding Officer of the Spanish Frigate invited a small delegation of Officers to the ship to guide them on the ship.
At first, the delegation visited the helicopter on board, the modernized Agusta-Bell AB 212. After an explanation held by the flight crew of the helicopter, the visit continued through the infirmary, and then to the operational rooms of the frigate, as the Combat Information Centre (CIC).
The visit ended to the bridge, and the traditional group picture on the flight deck was taken soon after.
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101-suspected smugglers and traffickers have been prosecuted by the Italian authorities and 383 boats were removed from the criminal organization availability. Nonethe
less, as the EU contribution to the UN arms embargo, the operation carried on 367 events in accordance with the UNSCR 2292 (2016).
