OPERATION ATALANTA - European Parliament · with the preparations for the EUNAVFOR operation ATALANTA from April to August 2010. Jan Thörnqvist is a fellow of the Royal Swedish Society

OPERATION ATALANTAEU NAVFOR


COMMANDwww.eunavfor.eu

European UnionNAVAL FORCE

Buster Howes was educated at Christ’s Hospital, and York and London Universities. He was commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1982. The majority of his regimental experience has been within the United Kingdom’s Amphibious Force, within which he has commanded at every level from troop to brigade.

With the exception of a tour in Northern Ireland, all his operational experience has been gained within a multi-national environment. In the First Gulf War, he served as the Regimental SO3 Operations in the 2nd Marine Division, conducting amphibious operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf. In Bosnia, he served as the SO2 Plans in the Rapid Reaction Force Operations Staff of UNPROFOR. He returned to the Gulf in 2003 as the Commanding Officer of 42 Commando, for which he was awarded the OBE. In 2007, he served as Chief Joint Coordination and Effects in HQ ISAF X in Kabul.

His staff experience has been gained exclusively within the Naval and Joint Staffs. On the Naval Staffs, he worked as the SO2 N1 in CINCFLEET, the SO1 Strategy within the Naval Staff Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, subsequently returning as the 1-Star Director of the Naval Staff. In the Joint Staffs, he served as a Divisional Director at the UK Joint Command and Staff College, as Chief of Staff to the Commander UK Amphibious Force, and most recently as Head of Overseas Operations in the Ministry of Defence.

He has attended the Royal Navy Staff Course at Greenwich, the Higher Command and Staff Course, the Royal College of Defence Studies and the Pinnacle Course.

He has been appointed as Commander of the United Kingdom Amphibious Force and Commandant General Royal Marines from February 2010 and from June 2010 he assumed the appointment of Operation Commander EU NAVFOR Somalia.

He has twin daughters and his interests are teaching them table manners and repairing things they break. In his spare time he enjoys mountaineering, gardening, art and ideas.

EUNAVFOROperation Commander EU Naval ForceMajor General Buster Howes OBE

European UnionNAVAL FORCE

Born in 1956 and raised in the south-western state „Saarland“, RAdm was educated to A-level in the city of Saarbrücken, majoring in the classical languages Latin and Greek.

He joined the Navy in 1976 and, after initial training at the Naval Academy “Marineschule Mürwik” and on board the Training Ships “Gorch Fock” and “Deutschland”, he attended the Armed Forces University in Munich. In 1980, he earned a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and was selected for Naval Aviation, starting his undergraduate pilot training in the US at Sheppard Air Force Base. After receiving his pilot wings in 1983, and successfully converting to the Tornado fighter bomber at RAF Cottesmore, he began his career as a naval aviator at Naval Air Wing 1 in 1984.

During the second half of the 80’s he achieved “combat ready” status, and, being a fully qualified line pilot, he oversaw the introduction of the AGM 88 (HARM) weapon system into Naval Air Arm’s operational service.

In 1989, he took over company command at the Armed Forces University in Hamburg and in 1991, by then promoted to Lieutenant-Commander, he was selected for the Admiral Staff Course at the Ecole Supérieure de Guerre Naval (ESGN) in Paris, France. Upon his return to Germany in 1993, he assumed command of No 1 Squadron at Naval Air Wing 1 in Schleswig. After having enjoyed an extremely rewarding two years as Squadron Commander, he joined the Ministry of Defence as Staff Officer Personnel (Detailer) Navy Air. In 1998, Ernst was selected to command for a second time, taking command of the Flying Group Naval Air Wing 2 in Eggebeck, Northern Germany. The group consisted of 5 squadrons with 50 Tornado aircraft. After another two years of active flying in command, a second engagement at the MOD awaited him. From 2000 to 2002, Ernst served as a Military Assistant to the German Chief of Defence (CHOD) in Berlin.

He was promoted to Captain in 2002 and joined HQ SACLANT in Norfolk, Va. as Branch Head Politico-Military Affairs for a 3-year tour of duty. Having returned to Germany in 2005, he again, after a brief period of conceptual work on the future German Centre of Excellence for maritime operations in confined and shallow waters (CoE CSW), joined the MODs Personnel Directorate as Branch Head “Naval Personnel”. In 2007, Ernst became Chief of Staff to State Secretary Dr. Wichert at the Ministry of Defence in Bonn and Berlin.

Hereafter, he took command of the Marineschule Mürwik 31st March 2010. Promoted to Rear Admiral he assumed position as Deputy Commander EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta on 4th June 2010.

Thomas Ernst lives with his wife Patricia-Ann and his daughter Theresia near the city of Schleswig.

EUNAVFORDeputy Operation Commander EU Naval ForceRear Admiral Thomas J. Ernst

European UnionNAVAL FORCEEUNAVFORForce CommanderEU Naval Force Apr-Aug 2010Rear Admiral (LH) Jan Thörnqvist

Jan Thörnqvist was born on the 9th of October 1959 in Karlskrona, Sweden. He joined the Royal Swedish Navy in 1976 and served as basic private and petty officer afloat in various types of ships in the Navy (e.g. Minesweepers, Destroyer, Torpedo and Picket Boats). In 1981 he entered the Naval Academy and in 1982 graduated to be commissioned as Lieutenant Junior Grade in the Navy, followed by Principal Warfare Officer training and promotion to Lieutenant in 1983.

The subsequent years Thörnqvist served as 2nd Officer on MW Staff Ship and Icebreaker HSwMS Thule, various Mine Countermeasures Vessels, qualified as a Mine Clearance Diver, served as 1st Instructor at the Naval Mine Warfare School and in 1987 assumed command of the Diving Support Vessel HSwMS Skaftö. Upon completion of the National Defence College Staff Course in 1989 he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and appointed Executive Officer on Landsort-Class Minehunters.

In 1993 Thörnqvist took command of the Naval MCM Divers Squadron, a command he held until mid 1996, when he was appointed Commanding Officer of 411.MCM Squadron and the Minehunter HSwMS Ulvön. After this appointment, he completed the two years Advanced Command Program at the Swedish National Defence College, followed by an appointment as Chief of Staff in the Visby-class Corvette Trials Unit at the 3rd Surface Warfare Flotilla in Karlskrona.

In 2001 Thörnqvist was promoted to Commander and appointed Staff Officer at the Swedish Armed Forces HQ, Joint Forces Development, Staff Department, Analysis Section. Three years later in June 2004 he attended the U.S. Naval Command College. On returning to Sweden he became Head of Forces Development, Plans and Policy Staff in the Joint Headquarters.

In 2006 Jan Thörnqvist took command of the 4th Naval Warfare Flotilla and was promoted Captain. This command was in October 2009 followed by a command of the Naval Base in Karlskrona. As appointed Force Commander he is from the 1st of December 2009 working full time with the preparations for the EUNAVFOR operation ATALANTA from April to August 2010.

Jan Thörnqvist is a fellow of the Royal Swedish Society of Naval Sciences and Chairman of the Naval Officers Society in Karlskrona. He speaks English fluently and partly German.

Jan Thörnqvist is married to Christina Martinson and has three sons. He lives with his family in Karlskrona. When off-duty, Jan Thörnqvist enjoys sailing and boating, fishing and aquatic sports, downhill skiing, woodworking, outdoor and nature activities together with the family.


MISSIONwww.eunavfor.eu


Aim and Mandate

Chain of Command

EU NAVAL OPERATION AGAINST PIRACY

The European Union is conducting a military operation to help deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia.

This military operation, named European Union Naval Force Somalia - Operation ATALANTA, was launched in support of Resolutions 1814, 1816, 1838, 1846 and 1897 which were adopted by the United Nations Security Council.

Its mandate is to contribute to:

• protect vessels of the World Food Programme, humanitarian aid and African Union Military Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) shipping

• help deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery

• protect vulnerable shipping

• monitor fishing activities off the coast of Somalia

This operation - the European Union’s first naval operation - is being conducted in the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).

The Political and Security Committee (PSC)exercises the political control and strategicdirection of the EU military operation, underthe responsibility of the Council of theEuropean Union. For its part, the EuropeanUnion Military Committee (EUMC) monitorsthe correct execution of the operation conducted under the responsibility of theOperation Commander.

Major General Buster Howes OBE (UK) commands the operation from the Operation Headquarters (OHQ) at Northwood, United Kingdom. There he plans and conducts the operation in conjunction with the political and military authorities of the European Union.

The Force Commander is Rear Admiral (LH) Jan Thörnqvist of the Swedish Navy. He and his staff are embarked on the flagship HSwMS Carlskrona to lead the units of EU NAVFOR in the Area of Operations.

EU NAVFOR ship Rheinland - Pfalz fends off Pirate attack


The operation which was scheduled for an initial period of twelve months has now been extended by the council until Dec 2010. During this period up to 12 EU ships and a number Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) will operate at any one time.

At the present time, eight EU member states are making a permanent operational contribution to the operation: Italy, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Luxemburg and Greece. Contributions from third countries such as Norway are participating as well. Also, a number of Cypriot, Irish, Finnish, Maltese and Sweden military personnel supplement the team at the Northwood Operation Headquarters.

The joint funding of the operation amounts to EUR 8,3 millions for the first year. This budget, which is shared between the EU member states and is established on the basis of their GDP, mainly covers the running costs of the

OHQ and the Force Headquarters (FHQ). The common costs for supplying the force are shared by the contributing countries and established according to their involvement in the operation, with each country continuingto bear the cost of the resources it implements.

The military personnel involved in the operation can arrest, detain and transfer persons who are suspected of, or who have committed, acts of piracy or armed robbery in the areas where they are present. They can seize the vessels of the pirates or the vessels captured following an act of piracy or an armed robbery and which are in the hands of the pirates, as well as the goods on board. The suspects can be prosecuted, as appropriate, by an EU member state or by Kenya under the agreement signed with the EU on 6 March 2009 giving the Kenyan authorities the right to prosecute.

The European naval force operates in a zone comprising the south of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and part of the Indian Ocean, which now includes the Seychelles, which represents an area comparable to that of the Mediterranean. A considerable international Naval presence is now in this zone and provide permanent or temporary backup to the action conducted by the European naval force. The EU NAVFOR operation is in permanent liaison with these forces (CTF-151, NATO Maritime Group, Russian, Indian, Japanese and Chinese vessels).

Signing of the agreement between theEuropean Union and Kenya on 6 March 2009

Operational Parameters

Dolo Bay

Wajir

CadaleMahadday

Weym

Saylac

BooramaTogwajaale

Bullaxaar Berbera

Karin Xiis Maydh LaasqorayQandala

Butyaalo

Bandar Murcaayo

CaluulaBreeda

Bargaal

Hurdiyo

Xaafuun

BandarbeylaDudo

Qardho

Taxeex

Iskushuban

Xudun

Gori Rit

Buuhoodle

Kiridh

Garadag

Oodweyne

Eyl

Garacad

XamureSeemadeBeyra

Berdaale

War Galoh

HilalayaMirsaale

Hobyo

BaxdoMereer-Gur

Ceel BuurXarardheere

DerriBuulobarde CeeldheereTayeeglow

Ceel Huur

BalcadAfgooye

WanlaweynBuurhakaba

Diinsoor

Qoryooley

Baraawe

Haaway

Jilib

Jamaame

Afmadow

Bilis Qooqaani

Luuq

El Beru Hagia

Buur Gaabo

Baardheere

Werder

Shilabo

K'ebri Dahar

Degeh Bur

Gode

Hargele

ImiMegalo

Asayita

Nazret

Dire Dawa

Jijiga

Dikhil

Garsen Lamu

Harer

Ferfer

Bu'aale

Hargeysa

Burco (Burao)

BakiCeerigaabo (Erigavo)

Boosaaso (Bender Cassim)

Garoowe

Gaalkacyo (Galcaio)

Dhuusamarreeb(Dusa Marreb)

Beledweyne

Xuddur(Oddur)

Garbahaarrey Baydhabo (Baidoa)

Marka (Merca)

Jawhar (Giohar)

Kismaayo (Chisimayu)

Laascaanood

Muqdisho (Mogadishu)

Djibouti

GEDO

BAY

BAKOOLHIRAAN

GALGUDUUD

M U D U G

NUGAAL

S O O L

AWDAL B A R IS A N A A G

TOGDHEER

WOQOOYIGALBEED

SHABELLEDHEXE

BANADIRSHABELLE

HOOSE

JUBAHOOSE

JUBADHEXE

ETHIOPIA

DJIBOUTI

KENYA

Raas MaskanRaas

Khansiir

RaasSurud

GeesGwardafuy

RaasBinna

RaasXaafuun

RaasGabbac

RaasKaambooni

IsoleGiuba

Karkaar Mountains

G U L F O F A D E N

I N D I A N O C E A N

Silil

Der

Dahot Darro

Jacee

Eyl

Webi Shabeelle

Webi Jubba

SOMALIA

Department of Peacekeeping OperationsCartographic Section

Map No. 3690 Rev. 7 UNITED NATIONSJanuary 2007

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

SOMALIA

0

0

100 200 km

50

50 150

100 mi

National capitalRegional capitalTown, villageAirportInternational boundaryRegional boundaryIndeterminate boundaryMain roadTrackRailroad


“WFP remains extremely grateful to the EU for committing itself to escorting ships carrying WFP food for 2009, giving us the long-term protection that our shipments need, especially in view of the increasing need for assistance.” *

Each merchant vessel wishing to transit through the Gulf of Aden or off the coast of Somalia is requested to register in advance on the website of the Maritime Security Center-Horn of Africa (www.mschoa.eu), which was set up at the beginning of the operation to facilitate the coordination of maritime traffic.

This initiative, which was welcomed by the whole community of shipowners and merchant navies, makes it possible for vessels that observe EU NAVFOR recommendations to know what arrangements are in place and in some cases, close military protection will be provided thus reducing the risk of attacks or capture.

HistoryA Comprehensive European Approach

Operation EU NAVFOR is part of the global actionconducted by the EU in the Horn of Africa todeal with the Somali crisis, which has political,security and humanitarian aspects.

The EU supports the Djibouti process for peaceand reconciliation in Somalia, facilitated by theUN. In this context, the EU welcomed theelection of President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed on 30 January 2009. The EU is multiplying itsefforts to support the peace process and has called on all parties in Somalia to ease the suffering of the population and to seizethis opportunity to work towards therestoration of security, stability anddevelopment in Somalia. The government alsohas the task of delivering a new constitution,to be adopted by referendum, and of setting updemocratically elected institutions by the endof the transition period in August 2011.

The EU and its member states support the AfricanUnion’s military mission to Somalia (AMISOM)financially, in terms of planning and capacity

building, in order to increase, in particular, theefficiency of the Somali police force and to combat any abuse and serious violation ofhuman rights. The Joint Strategy Paper forSomalia for 2008 2013 provides an allocationof EUR 215,8 million under the EC’s 10thEuropean Development Fund (EDF) It coversthree main sectors of cooperation: governance,education and rural development. Theissue of the security of maritime routes isalso included in the European Commission’s2009-2011 indicative programme.

*Source: UN World Food Programme - Public Affairs Office East Africa.

Since escorts began in late 2007, not a single ship carrying WFP food to ports in Somalia has been attacked by pirates.

Under the EU Atalanta operation, which startedin December 2008, WFP has delivered more than 386,420 metric tons of food into Somalia through Mogadishu, Merka, Bossaso, Berbera ports.

VESSELS ESCORTED BY EU NAVFORFOR THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME

Number of Somalis fed:on average, more than 1,350,000 each day

Number ofescorts

76

Tonnes offood delivered

more than385992

from 8/12/2008to 18/06/2010

The Force Headquarters Flagship HSwMS Carlskrona

World Food Programme


With up to 95% of EU member state’s trade (by volume) transported by sea and 20% of Global Trade passing through the Gulf of Aden, EUNAVFOR provide considerable focus to safeguard trade through this strategic area.

The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) is an initiative established by EU NAVFOR with close co-operation from industry. The MSC-HOA centre provides 24 hour manned monitoring of vessels transiting through the Gulf of Aden whilst the provision of an interactive website enables the Centre to communicate the latest anti-piracy guidance to industry and for Shipping Companies and operators to register their movements through the region.

A further initiative is the introduction of Group Transits where vessels are co-ordinated to transit through high risk areas overnight when attacks are reduced. This enables military forces to ‘sanitise’ the area ahead of the merchant ships. MSCHOA will also identify particularly vulnerable shipping and coordinate appropriate protection arrangements, either from within EU NAVFOR, or other forces in the region.

MSC-HOA Website - www.mschoa.eu - over 5 350 registered User at Present

Finally in between routine or baseline operations, EU NAVFOR conducts focused operations aimed at achieving specific effects within a given area or time window. By concentrating forces to achieve specific effects EU NAVFOR can provide influence, deterrence or insight into legitimate and illicit activities in order to better co-ordinate future activities to deter piracy and armed robbery and thus reassure legitimate merchant mariners.


FORCEwww.eunavfor.eu


Current unitsNation Unit

EU NAVFOR FORCE COMPOSITION

Maritime Patrol Aircraft’s from Spain, France, Luxembourg,Sweden, Germany and Portugal. Sweden FHQ Support Area (SA) based in Djibouti from several contributing member states.

FGS SCHLESWIG - HOLSTEIN

ESPS VICTORIA

FS GUEPRATTE

HS ELLI

HSWMS CARLSKRONA

HNLMS JOHAN DE WITT


Contact details

Carillion Graphics_Northwood HQ_06 2010_20100627

European Union Naval ForcePublic Affairs Office

Spokesperson

Address

Media Centre

More information on

Source of Pictures

Last Updated

Per KlingvallLieutenant Colonel SwedenTel: +44 (0) 1923 9 58693Mob: +44 (0) 7540 417378E-Mail: [email protected]

European Union Naval ForceEuropean Union Operation HQNorthwood HeadquartersSandy Lane - NorthwoodMiddlesex - HA6 3HP

Tel: +44 (0) 1923 9 58611Mobile: +44 (0) 7762 784746E-Mail: [email protected]

www.eunavfor.euwww.mschoa.euwww.consilium.europa.eu/esdpwww.consilium.europa.eu/eunavfor-somalia

Press Office European Union Council SecretariatPublic Affairs Office EU NAVFOR ATALANTA

18th June 2010

Documents

OPERATION ATALANTA - European Parliament · with the preparations for the EUNAVFOR operation ATALANTA from April to August 2010. Jan Thörnqvist is a fellow of the Royal Swedish Society