COUNTER-PIRACY TASK FORCES MEET AT SEA

Ships from the Republic of Korea and Italy recently met at sea during counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

ROKS Kang Gam Chan recently met ITS Marceglia in the Gulf of Aden whilst both ships were conducting counter-piracy operations. The ROKS Kang Gam Chan is currently working with Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 and the ITS Marceglia is the EU NAVFOR Somalia Operation Atlanta Force Headquarters for their counter-piracy Combined Task Force – CTF 465.

CTF 151 is focused on the deterrence and disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. The Task Force engages with regional partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities. They also work in conjunction with forces from the European Union such as CTF 465.

With the ships passing close by, Commander CTF 465, Rear Admiral Armando Paolo Simi, took the opportunity to fly to the ROKS Kang Gam Chan where he was welcomed by Rear Admiral Byeong-Ju Yu, Commander CTF 151 and the Commanding Officer of the ship, Captain Sang Geun Lee.

Whilst on board for the short visit, the Task Force Commanders held an invaluable discussion on their shared aims and goals in tackling the threat of piracy in the region.

Rear Admiral Yu said: “CTF 465 and CTF 151 are both dedicated counter-piracy task forces that have a shared aim of deterring and disrupting piracy to ensure freedom of navigation at sea. Meeting with Rear Admiral Simi enabled us to discuss future collaboration, cooperation and enhanced information sharing in our fight against piracy.”