New air asset for EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia
After more than 4 months of deployment in Sigonella Air Base in Italy, this morning the Spanish Maritime Patrol Aircraft P3 Orion 
has left EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia being substituted by a CN-235-VIGMA D4 aircraft.
Having joined the European Union operation to tackle the human traffickers and smugglers activity in the Central Mediterranean sea last 15th of September 2015, the Spanish Air Force P3 Orion, managed by “destacamento Grappa”, carried out 44 operational missions for a total of more than 310 flight hours. Its main assignment has been to collect intelligence and conduct reconnaissance which also allowed several time for spotting migrants rubber boats in distress in International Waters resulting in saving thousands of lives at sea.
Results that have been highlighted and praised by EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Force Commander, Rear Admiral (LH) Andrea GUEGLIO , who visited the Spanish detachment on the occasion of its farewell: “You have displayed enthusiasm, persistence and strong commitment together with an impressive adaptability, operating in close cooperation with all the EUNAVFOR MED units”.
The visit also provided the opportunity to express appreciation for the professional contribution assured by the Italian Air Base Personnel meeting with the base Commander, Colonel Federico FEDELE.
EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA, that last 7th of October 2015 moved to its second phase in International Waters, is part of a wider EU’s comprehensive approach to migration, tackling both current symptoms and root causes such as conflict, poverty, climate change and persecution. Until now the operation has contributed to saving almost 8500 people, while 46 people have been reported to the Italian authorities as possible smugglers, and 68 boats have been removed from illegal organizations’ availability.