Flying
low over the waters near Somalia, Danish crews hunt for indicators of
illegal activities across a wide stretch of ocean near the east African
coast. While pirate attacks have been few in the last couple of years,
the conditions which lead to piracy are still present and, as such,
interested nations must remain vigilant. The Danish detachment is participating
in part of a NATO effort that has been on going since 2008 to deter
and disrupt pirate attacks, while at the same time protecting vessels
and helping increase the stability and security in the region. |
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A small
team of about 20 Royal Danish Air Force officers and enlisted men operate
a CL-604 Challenger aircraft out of an airport in the Seychelles. The
aircraft is equipped to conduct maritime surveillance operations and
is often used in Denmark to conduct surveillance of fishery zones off
Greenland and watch for environmental pollution.
The crew flies along the coast of Somalia, verifying shipping activity,
distinguishing legitimate maritime traffic from suspected pirate vessels
and not least identifying probable pirate activities off the coastline
of Somalia.
“NATO has this time been focusing on the coast of Somalia and
so far no pirate activity has been identified” said Major Bjørn
Møller, the detachment Commander. “Even though the crews
are used to conduct similar operations in Denmark this is something
else to be part of an alliance that together protect the shipping industry
and not least protect the men and women working aboard the ships in
the ocean off of Somalia.”
As an Alliance member in NATO, the Danes bring this capability to support
the international effort to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa. Since
early on in Operation Ocean Shield, Denmark has contributed multiple
naval vessels and surveillance aircraft to the NATO effort for different
periods of time. Denmark’s efforts are part of the larger collaborative
response including NATO members and partners from all across the region.
These efforts are commanded from the Allied Maritime Command Headquarters
in Northwood, UK.
NATO Maritime Command maintains an active interest in all aspects of
maritime security. In addition to active efforts in East Africa, NATO
Maritime Command also operates the NATO Shipping Centre (NSC) in the
United Kingdom which provides generic advice on the piracy threat to
ship owners as well as guidance on best-practices. The NSC is frequently
contacted by Masters and shipping companies who sail throughout the
region. |
