Spain Rotates MPA Crews in Djibouti

摘要

The Ejercito del Aire's (Spanish Air Force's) maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) crews in Djibouti were rotated on January 23. Spain deploys Lockheed P-3M Orions and Airbus Military CN235M VIGMAs (VIGilancia Maritima -'maritime vigilance') to the base to support the European Union Naval Force's Operation Atalanta, which aims to counter piracy around the Horn of Africa. Personnel are usually based at Djibouti for two months, although it can be longer. The latest, 33rd detachment, comprises 44 personnel, including aircrew and maintenance technicians.