The FS Herminier replaces the Aconite in the Mediterranean Sea
(B2) The French notice Commander L'Herminier (A-69) replaced the frigate Aconit (F-713), operating in Operation Sophia, aka EUNAVFOR MED, the European Union operation to combat trafficking in the Mediterranean.
Since arriving in the area of operation, the frigate Aconit provided " strong support for Sophia says Rome HQ. Aconit had notably saved in January " 106 migrants almost certain to die as they attempt to make the perilous journey across the Mediterranean in unsuitable boats and without adequate life support " (read : Over 300 migrants recovered off the Libyan coast by EUNAVFOR Med in the past three days). The crew also acted with great professionalism by docking 18 merchant ships, contributing to the arms embargo “says the press release of the operation.
Last week, at sea, the commander of the European force, the Italian rear admiral Alberto Maffeis, had also participated in a small ceremony of tribute to the personnel of the French frigate in order to personally thank frigate captain David Desfougères and his crew.
(NGV)
