ASPIDES

ASPIDES OPERATION : April 2025

On April 24, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, attended the INTERTANKO Hellenic Mediterranean Panel Meeting in Athens, where he presented to the shipping industry the continuously evolving mission of ASPIDES.

His address emphasized the importance of collaboration and the synergies developed across stakeholders, underscoring the EU’s commitment to upholding the principles of freedom of navigation within the global maritime environment.

ITS FEDERICO MARTINENGO completed another successful close protection mission to a merchant vessel in the area of operation, under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

On April 29, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis (HN), Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES accompanied by Irina Gusacenko, Deputy Head of Mission at the Delegation of EU to the Sultanate of Oman, met with H.E Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, in Muscat.

The discussion provided a valuable opportunity to present the objectives and mandate of Operation ASPIDES, exchange views on the regional security environment, and explore avenues for dialogue and cooperation in support of maritime security in the region.

On April 30, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis (HN), Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, met with Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Jaber, KSA’s Ambassador to Yemen and Executive Director of Yemen Comprehensive Humanitarian Operations (YCHO), alongside EU Ambassador Christophe Farnaud, in Riyadh.

Positive review of ASPIDES’ achievements & constructive regional dialogue to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation.

ITS ANDREA DORIA completed a successful close protection mission to merchant vessels in the area of operation, under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

The Force Commander (FCDR) of Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, Commodore Michail Pantouvakis (EL-N), visited the Djibouti Coast Guard Maritime Training Centre at Camp Dorralieh. During his visit, he met with the Chief of the Djiboutian Coast Guard, Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh. They had the opportunity to discuss matters related to the Djibouti Coast Guard's mission and issues of mutual cooperation.

The German detachment of the Beachcraft was awarded the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Medal in recognition of their dedication and commitment. The medals were presented by the Chief of Staff, Captain (N) Nikolaos Sartzis, on behalf of the Operation Commander, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis.

ITS ANDREA DORIA completed a successful close protection mission to merchant vessels in the area of operation, under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

The French frigate completed another series of successful close protection missions to merchant vessels in the area of operation under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES has a totally defensive mandate, contributes to regional stability and prosperity by providing safety to fellow seafarers and protecting global common goods.

Last week, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Operation actively contributed to the Red Sea dynamics seminar exercise organized by the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa team. With EU political, diplomatic, and military actors covering the region, the event showcased the EU’s integrated approach in action-leveraging all its instruments for maritime security and regional stability.

The French frigate completed another series of successful close protection missions to merchant vessels in the area of operation under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

Last week, onboard ITS Andrea Doria, the Force Commander (FCDR) Commodore Michail PANTOUVAKIS (EL-N) welcomed an EU Ambassadors’ Delegation and other distinguished guests. They were informed about the current ASPIDES operational status.

ITS ANDREA DORIA completed a successful close protection mission to merchant vessels in the area of operation, under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, co-chaired the 16th Industry Strategic Meeting, organised by EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, held in Madrid from 3 to 4 June.

An excellent opportunity to exchange actionable insights, coordinate efforts and enhance operational synergies with all Stakeholders.

Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, visited SatCen on 5 June 2025.

A unique opportunity to meet with senior leadership and discuss strategic cooperation, ongoing initiatives, and ways to enhance coordination between EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and EU agencies.

HS PSARA completed a successful close protection mission to a merchant vessel in the area of operation, under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

ITS ANDREA DORIA completed a successful close protection mission to a merchant vessel in the area of operation, under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

HS PSARA completed a successful close protection mission to a merchant vessel in the area of operation, under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

HS PSARA completed another successful close protection mission to a merchant vessel in the area of operation, under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

ASPIDES OPERATION : July 2025

On July 1, onboard Italian Flagship ANDREA DORIA, in the presence of the Operation Commander, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis , Commodore Michail Pantouvakis , handed over the duty of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Force Commander to Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo.

Over the last five months, as Force Commander, Commodore Michail Pantouvakis supported the EU’s commitment to protecting the freedom of navigation, seafarers’ lives, and global common goods.

On June 30, aboard HS PSARA (GRE flag) in Djibouti, the operational personnel were awarded the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Medal for their dedication and commitment, by the Operation Commander, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis (EL N) of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

ITS ANDREA DORIA (ITA flag) completed a successful close protection mission to merchant vessels in the area of operation, under EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

Rescue of MV Eternity C 09/07/2025

Following the attack on the merchant vessel Eternity C in the southern Red Sea, currently six (6) castaway crew members have been recovered from the sea.

Operation ASPIDES participates in the coordination of the international response, by involving and synchronizing all willing actors in the area.

This incident highlights the value of ASPIDES’ Maritime Security Recommendations, published on MSC IO website and the importance of structured, multinational coordination to protect life at sea in line with international maritime obligations.

Update on the Rescue of MV Eternity C 10/07/2025

During the night 9/10 July, three (3) additional crew members from the MV Eternity C, (Filipino nationality) and one (1) from the Maritime Security Team (Greek nationality), have been recovered from the sea - bringing the total number of those rescued to ten (10).

Operation ASPIDES continues to participate in the coordination of the international response, by involving and synchronizing all willing actors in the area.

Follow us on our social media :

X: https://twitter.com/EUNAVFORASPIDES

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556658162958

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/operation_aspides/

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eunavfor-operation-aspides/