23 Feb 2016

The Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples visits EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Headquarters

This morning, admiral Mark E. FERGUSON III, Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples has visited the Headquarters of the European Mission launched to counter the traffic of human beings in the Central Mediterranean Sea.

Arriving at the HQ, admiral FERGUSON was welcomed by the Chief of the Italian Joint Operation HQ, general Marco BERTOLINI and by admiral Enrico CREDENDINO, EUNAVFOR MED Operation Commander , who provided an update about the current situation on the field.

During the visit admiral FERGUSON took the opportunity to witness how and where the operational activities are planned, directed and followed, entering the EUNAVFOR MED Joint Operation Centre.

EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA , launched on the 22nd of June 2015, has entered its second phase last October 7th. Until now the Operation contributed to save more than 9600 people while 48 people have been reported to the Italian Authorities as possible smugglers and 80 boats have been removed from illegal organizations’ availability.