Today, in Djibouti, the European Multi Mission Frigate (FREMM) Carlo Margottini has assumed the flagship role of Operation  EUNAVFOR Atalanta. Italy's command will expire on 5 August.  Rear Admiral Simone Malvagna has assumed the role of Force Commander of the naval fleet, made up of assets from various EU countries.

Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta, launched by the European Council in 2008, is the first EU-led naval operation aimed at preventing and countering pirate attacks at sea off the Horn of Africa (including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somali basin), which are an ongoing threat to shipping and freedom of navigation, and notably to vessels transporting World Food Programme humanitarian aid.

Operation Atalanta's tasks include Local Maritime Capacity Building (LMCB) activities, aimed at training local armed and security forces to counter illegal activities, including piracy, in full autonomy.

ITS Margottini – at her first deployment within Operation Atalanta - is the third FREMM frigate delivered to the Italian Navy on 27 February 2014 in ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) version, equipped with latest-generation weapon, defence and radar systems, employing cutting-edge technology in both the military and civilian sector.

Departed last 20 February from the port of La Spezia – before joining Operation Atalanta – the ship has conducted a naval campaign in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf with the aim of ensuring presence and maritime surveillance, strengthening ongoing cooperation activities with a number of trans-regional allies, and starting relationships with new potential partners, in the framework of the Italian Navy's institutional tasks.

In the months to come, during next port calls, ITS Margottini's crew will also conduct CIMIC (Civil-Military Cooperation) activities aimed at providing support to the local populations.