The Italian Joint Operations Commander visited the personnel, operational assets and logistics sites offered to Operation IRINI by HOST Nation
Sicily, 23 October 2025. Lieutenant General Giovanni Maria IANNUCCI, Commander of Italy’s Joint Operations Command (COVI), visited the personnel, operational assets and logistics sites located in the Sicilian area and made available to EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI by the Host Nation. During the visit, he was welcomed and accompanied by Rear Admiral Marco CASAPIERI, the Operation Commander, who illustrated the Operation’s current activities and its contribution to maritime security in the Mediterranean.
In particular, the visit included embarking on ITS Borsini which is assigned to the Operation IRINI, during its transit to the area of operations following a logistics stop. On this occasion, the COVI Commander had the opportunity to greet the ship Commander and the crew, and to observe a live demonstration of inspection activities carried out on board merchant vessels, in this case through the insertion of the inspection team by the ship’s helicopter.
In the context of the visit, a video conference was also carried out with the Force Commander, the Commodore Spyridon POLLATOS, embarked on the flag ship HS HELLI, who presented the tasks, daily activities and maneuvering scheme of the naval and air assets present in the area of Operations to ensure constant monitoring of merchant flows.
Afterwards, the visiting authority also called on the Sigonella Air Base, which plays a vital role in supporting the Operation. During the visit, the authority had the opportunity to greet the flight crews, receive a briefing on the aerial activities conducted, and review the operational and logistical arrangements in place to ensure the efficiency and readiness of the assets.
The event underscored the strong cooperation between Member States and the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Operations. Lt. Gen. IANNUCCI met the multinational crew and expressed appreciation for their professionalism, dedication, and capacity to operate in complex maritime conditions under the EU mandate.
Rear Adm. Casapieri highlighted that Operation IRINI continues to play a central role in supporting peace and stability along the EU’s southern flank, enforcing the UN arms embargo on Libya and maintaining maritime security in the central Mediterranean.
During the visit, discussions focused on the Operation’s adaptability to evolving challenges, the importance of international partnerships, and the value of maintaining operational readiness through cooperation among Member States.
EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI is as an example of European commitment and cohesion at sea emphasizing how joint military efforts contribute to safeguarding peace and protecting the EU’s strategic interests. The visit reaffirmed Member States continuous support for Operation IRINI and reflected the Operation’s role as a reliable, forward deployed instrument of EU engagement in the Mediterranean.
