Security and Defence Committee visits ITS Marceglia: two days at sea aboard the Flagship of Operation Aspides

29.10.2025 Press and information team - EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES

28 October 2025, Gulf of Aden — A delegation of Members of the European Parliament belonging to the Security and Defence Committee (SEDE Committee) spent two days aboard the Italian frigate ITS ANTONIO MARCEGLIA, where they were welcomed by the Force Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo. The operation remains fully committed to contributing to freedom of navigation in the high-threat areas of the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES: Security and Defence Committee visits ITS Marceglia: two days at sea aboard the Fl

The delegation, led by Hon. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (RENEW, Germany), included Members of the European Parliament Michał Szczerba (EPP, Poland), Isabel Wiseler-Lima (EPP, Luxembourg), Tobias Cremer (S&D, Germany), and Tonino Picula (S&D, Croatia). During the visit, the EU Ambassador to Djibouti, H.E. Denisa-Elena Ionete, accompanied the political delegation.

The embarkation took place on ITS MARCEGLIA’s helicopter from the French air base in Djibouti. The Force Commander and the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Nicola Petrecca, welcomed the authorities onboard with full military honors.

European Union, 2025

During their stay on board, the Members of the European Parliament had the opportunity to witness the execution of Operation ASPIDES’ mission: the close protection of three merchant vessels organized in convoy by ITS MARCEGLIA. The visit program included a series of briefings and meetings with the international staff embarked—composed of representatives from seven Member States (Italy, France, Greece, Germany, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia)—as well as with the ship’s crew.

The delegation also toured the ship's operational, technical, and logistical areas to gain an authentic insight into the personnel's daily lives at sea in such a high-threat environment.

Observing the close protection maneuvers of merchant vessels from the bridge proved to be a tangible and immersive experience for the delegation, showcasing the readiness and professionalism with which the crew carries out its mission. The visit also provided an opportunity to demonstrate command and control capabilities and interoperability through digital links with units in the area and with the European and national chains of command.

To conclude the visit, the delegation took part in the solemn evening Colors Ceremony on the flight deck. They also had the chance to meet the crew, get to know the men and women serving on board, and listen to their accounts and experiences gained during the operation.

The visit further highlighted Italy’s enduring commitment to the objectives of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and underscored the essential role of multinational cooperation in safeguarding maritime security.

European Union, 2025

Security and Defence Committee visits ITS Marceglia: two days at sea aboard the Flagship of Operatio

European Union, 2025

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Security and Defence Committee visits ITS Marceglia: two days at sea aboard the Flagship of Operation Aspides