Ukraine contributes to Ocean Shield

The Ukrainian Navy frigate HETMAN SAGAIYDACHNIY joined Operation Ocean Shield on 10 October, marking the first time a partner nation has contributed to NATO’s counter-piracy effort.

Ukraine contributes to NATO’s Ocean Shield

Gulf of Aden – The Ukrainian Navy frigate HETMAN SAGAIYDACHNIY joined the Alliance’s Operation Ocean Shield on 10 October, marking the first time a partner nation has contributed to NATO’s counter-piracy effort, which has been operating off the Horn of Africa, since 2009.

The NATO Secretary General welcomed the contribution from Ukraine. “This is the first time any partner nation has joined this important mission. And I warmly welcome Ukraine’s commitment. By working together, NATO and our partners are making a real contribution to dealing with today’s security threats, including outside the Euro-Atlantic area.”

For the next three months this Ukrainian frigate will now fall under the command of Commodore Henning Amundsen of the Norwegian Navy, Commander of NATO’s Ocean Shield, who operates from the Alliance’s flagship, the Norwegian frigate FRIDTJOF NANSEN. Ocean Shield also includes the HDMS ESBEN SNARE of the Royal Danish Navy and a US Navy Frigate the USS DE WERT. All four ships are operating together off the Horn of Africa, deterring acts of piracy. “We are very pleased Ukraine is demonstrating its firm commitment to international maritime security,” said NATO Supreme Allied Commander (SACEUR) General Phillip Breedlove. “We greatly welcome Ukraine’s dedicated interest to interoperability with NATO.”

Source: NATO.