The Chief of Staff of the Operational Headquarters in Rome visits the EUNAVFOR MED Flagship at sea
On 7 July, the operation SOPHIA 
Chief of Staff (COS) of the Operational Headquarters in Rome, Brigadier General Manlio SCOPIGNO, paid a visit to the mission Task Force operating in the Central Mediterranean Sea to disrupt the business model of human smugglers and traffickers.
General SCOPIGNO arrived on board the Italian light aircraft carrier GARIBALDI , Operation Sophia’s Flagship, welcomed by the EUNAVFOR MED Force Commander and the Commanding Officer of the ship, who accompanied the General throughout the ship. The Chief of Staff visited all the Force Headquarters’ staff and meeting rooms, having indeed the opportunity to witness the Force Headquarters staff could manage the ongoing tactical situations. This was the very first time General SCOPIGNO had the chance to observe the Force Headquarters staff at sea and, indeed, he was quite impressed of the professional skills the international personnel involved demonstrated. Furthermore, he also had the chance to meet Force Headquarters members to share impressions and assessments on the mission. “I’m honoured to be on this very capable ship and see the meticulous and thorough job you are all doing on board. Dedication and hard work are the basis to achieve any kind of result”.
The Italian ship GARIBALDI was deployed as mission Flagship since the 1st of July, embarking one SH 90 and one AB 212 helicopters. Last 20 June 2016 EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia was extended until 27 July 2017. On the occasion, the Council of the European Union, whilst retaining the focus on the core mandate, added two supporting tasks: training of the Libyan coastguards and navy, and contributing to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya.