The Spanish frigate Reina Sofia hands over her duties to the Spanish Navarra
On Saturday 24 September, the Spanish Frigate Reina Sofia ended her participation within EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA after 4 months. She joined the force on the 24 May 2016.
On Saturday 24 September, the Spanish Frigate Reina Sofia ended her participation within EUNAVFOR-MED Operation Sophia after 4 months. She joined the force on the 24 May 2016.
Many were the achievements made by the Spanish frigate Reina Sofia in EUNAVFOR MED: earlier in July, she intercepted a boat involved in suspicious activity and delivered two suspect smugglers to the Italian authorities. Furthermore, Reina Sofia rescued directly 3,762 migrants at sea.
The frigate Reina Sofia (F-84), fourth of “Santa Maria” Class, was delivered to the Spanish Navy in 1989 and has a crew of 200 people, including Embarked Air Unit Aircraft and Marine Security Team. She began her transit back home where she is expected on 28 September.
Operation SOPHIA Force Commander wishes a safe trip back home after an outstanding four months period in the force, and welcomes the Spanish frigate Navarra that will contribute EUNAVFOR MED core mandate to disrupt the business model of human smuggling and trafficking.
The Spanish ESPS Navarra is already at sea ready to fulfill all the duties within operation SOPHIA.
On the 30 August and the 6 September, the EU Political and Security Committee decided to formally commence the training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy and the contribution of the UN arms embargo in the high seas off the coast of Libya.