OPCDR’S PARTICIPATION AT FIRST EU MARITIME OPERATIONS COMMANDERS’ MEETING

On February 26, Rear Admiral Vasileios GRYPARIS, Commander of EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES, took part in the first EU Maritime Operations Commanders' Meeting, organized by the Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI in Rome, Italy.

The event brought together Rear Admiral Marco CASAPIERI, Commander of Operation IRINI, Vice Admiral Ignacio VILLANUEVA SERRANO, Commander of Operation ATALANTA, and Rear Admiral Vasileios GRYPARIS, Commander of Operation ASPIDES, along with their respective staffs, representatives from the EU Military Committee and the EU Military Staff, as well as members of the Italian Joint Operations Command.

European Union, 2026

Rear Admiral GRYPARIS, underlined: "The EU Naval Operations symbolize more than a temporary response to a crisis. They demonstrate the EU's ability to act as a steadfast and reliable maritime security provider. Our presence is a long-term commitment to the principles of freedom, safety, and stability on the high seas." 

European Union, 2026

During his stay in Rome, Rear Admiral GRYPARIS also met with General Luciano PORTOLANO, the Italian Chief of Defence, Admiral Giuseppe BERUTTI BERGOTTO, Chief of the Italian Navy, Vice Admiral Aurelio DE CAROLIS, Commander in Chief Naval Fleet and General Giovanni Maria IANNUCCI, Commander of the Italian Joint Operations Command, highlighting the constant support of the Italian Navy to Operation ASPIDES.

European Union, 2026

This initiative has been an excellent opportunity to identify the most effective solutions to enhance interoperability, coordinate efforts, and create synergies between the Operations.