ESPS Rayo Supports Training

The Spanish Oceanic Patrol Vessel ESPS Rayo has taken advantage of her second port visit in Djibouti to conduct training on 20 and 21 March.

The EU Naval Force Ship ESPS Rayo Supports Training For Djiboutian Navy And Coast Guard

The Spanish Oceanic Patrol Vessel ESPS Rayo, as part of the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia – Operation Atalanta, has taken advantage of her second port visit in Djibouti to conduct training on 20 and 21 March 2013 with the Djiboutian Navy and Coast Guard.

The Boarding Team of ESPS Rayo and Spanish Marines on board trained with 32 members of the Djiboutian Navy and Coast Guard on boarding operations, the handling and use of respiratory equipment and portable pumps for fire-fighting on board. The Djiboutians were also provided with an introduction of the organisation of Operational Control for counter-piracy operations and Mercury.

The Republic of Djibouti is an important regional partner in the fight against piracy. These training sessions are part of LMCB (Local Maritime Capability Building) that the European Union is conducting within the framework of Operation Atalanta. LMCB is to to provide the basis for further cooperation and to build up the capacity of security forces of regional partners in the fight against piracy, supporting further training provided by EUCAP Nestor.

In the morning of the 21st, ESPS Rayo received as well the visit of a committee of representatives of the EU mission EUCAP Nestor, headed by Captain of the Spanish Navy Juan Martín Nieto. He currently holds the position as Senior Maritime Advisor EUCAP Nestor for training in maritime activities in the region.

EUCAP Nestor is a civilian mission conducted under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and augmented with military expertise. The objectives of EUCAP Nestor are to:

• Strengthen the Rule of Law sector in Somalia, with an initial focus on the regions of Puntland and Somaliland. In particular, the mission will support the development of a coastal police force and the judiciary.
• Strengthen the sea going maritime capacity of Djibouti, Kenya and the Seychelles.

Source: EUNAVFOR.