First Medal Parade for EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia
After little more than 6 months since the EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia 
launch, today the Operation Commander, Rear Admiral (UH) Enrico Credendino , has awarded for the first time the mission Medal to the military personnel who has recently left the operation.
45 officers, petty officers and enlisted, coming from 11 different European Union Member States, have received the medal as recognition of their committed and professional contribution guaranteed during their assignment to EUNAVFOR MED Operation Headquarters’ Staff.
EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA, launched on the 22nd of June 2015, has entered its second phase last October 7th. Till now, the Operation contributed to save more than 9000 lives while 46 people have been arrested as possible smugglers and/or traffickers by competent Italian Judicial Authorities following EUNAVFOR MED activities and 76 boats have been removed from illegal organizations’ availability.