North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Maritime Command
March 10, 2014
NATO COUNTER-PIRACY WARSHIP VISITS MADAGASCAR
Antisiranana, MADAGASCAR: In early March, the warship ITS MIMBELLI, currently deployed in support of NATO’s counter-piracy Operation OCEAN SHIELD, wrapped up a port visit to Antisiranana, Madagascar.
The purpose of the visit was to pursue the ongoing cooperation with the Malagasy authorities in efforts to eliminate sea piracy, protect maritime trade and ensure safe navigation in the Indian Ocean.
The Commanding Officer of ITS MIMBELLI, Captain Davide Berna, received on board representatives of the regional authorities, while ITS MIMBELLI’s operational teams exercised with the Malagasy Navy, contributing to their own capabilities in combatting piracy and developing their skills in maritime interdiction operations.
The Commanding Officer of the Naval Base, Captain Vahoavy, expressed his appreciation for the excellent opportunity that the presence of NATO forces provided and left a strong desire to intensify this relationship in the Southern Indian Ocean.
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“The visit was a great opportunity to strengthen NATO-Madagascar cooperation,” said Captain Berna.
Story by HQ MARCOM Public Affairs Office
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