CHANGE OF FORCE COMMANDER FOR EUNAVFOR MED OPERATION IRINI AT TARANTO NAVAL BASE
On October 3rd, 2025, the Change of Command ceremony of the Task Force of EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI took place at the Italian Navy base in Taranto. The EUNAVFOR MED Operation Commander, Rear Admiral Marco CASAPIERI, presided over the event, formally transferring the Force Commander authority from Rear Admiral Alessandro DI BIASI to Commodore Spyridon POLLATOS, in accordance with the rotation protocol established between EU contributing nations.
The Operation IRINI Task Force alternates command every six months between Italy and Greece, ensuring balanced leadership and continuous operational effectiveness. Each of these nations periodically assigns the flagship from which the Force Commander exercises tactical command of naval and air assets operating in the central Mediterranean and directs the multinational staff made available by Member States.
Over the last six months, Operation IRINI has monitored tens of thousands of ships transiting the area of interest, carrying out more than 1300 requests for information, “hailings”, over 66 consensual visits, “friendly approaches”, and 2 on board inspections, “boardings” of ships suspected of violating the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. The operational activities carried out reflect the Operation’s mandate to enforce UN Security Council resolutions and ensure maritime security in the region.
Operation IRINI is a key tool of the European Union in support of the UN-led peace process in Libya. In addition to the task of enforcing the UN arms embargo, the Operation contributes to combating illicit oil and human trafficking and provides CB&T opportunities to the Libyan maritime institutions. In line with EU Maritime Security Strategy and following the recent renewal and expansion of the EU mandate, the Operation also has as a further significant task to contribute to Maritime Situation Awareness (MSA) regarding other illicit activities, focusing on monitoring and protecting critical underwater infrastructure.
Recently, in Taranto at the Training Center of the Italian Navy, as a training and education facility of an EU Member State, Operation IRINI reached a significant milestone by successfully completing the first training course of Libyan military personnel, both from the east and west of the country. The CB&T course has been designed in line with internationally recognized standards, with an emphasis on international law and human rights. Participants received training in areas such as basic and advanced firefighting, damage control, safety procedures and response to the release of hazardous substances.
Rear Admiral CASAPIERI expressed sincere appreciation to all contributing countries for their constant support during the last rotation of the Operation. He commended Rear Admiral DI BIASI and his staff for their professionalism, while wishing Commodore POLLATOS “fair winds and following seas” as he assumes Command of the Task Force.
Following the handover, Commodore POLLATOS assumed command of Operation IRINI’s Task Force from the Greek flagship ELLI, continuing to ensure operational readiness and maritime security in the area of operations.
