The German Ship FRANKFURT sails again towards north. Welcome to the German ships WERRA and DATTELN!
More than five months spent at sea in the Central Mediterranean as part of EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia 
, now the German auxiliary FGS Frankfurt sets sail back home.
Operation Sophia is the European anti-human smuggling operation that stands since almost one year from its full operational capability.
The outstanding commitment of FGS Frankfurt during her assignment is crystal clear: more than 2000 souls saved directly (counting also nine babies), 19 boats removed from illegal organization availability and 13 alleged facilitators delivered to the Italian authorities.
EUNAVFOR MED Force Commander highlighted how their “presence and activities have been indispensable during this phase of Operation Sophia, both in your [FGS Frankfurt] contribution towards increasing our understanding of the operation and most importantly on the professional seamanship and compassion displayed”.
These efforts have contributed to build a solid comprehension on human smuggling activities in order to disrupt smugglers business model.
Simultaneously, the Germans auxiliary Ship FGS Werra [4 MB] and the mine hunter FGS Datteln [4 MB] are joining Operation Sophia, with an overall contribution of 120 men and women and their inestimable expertise.
At the moment EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Task Force can count on 5 ships (1 Italian light aircraft carrier, 1 German auxiliary ship, 1 UK hydrographic ship, 1 Spanish frigate, 1 German mine hunter), 3 organic helicopters (2 Italian, 1 Spanish) and 3 air assets(Luxembourg, Spain, France).