The Italian aircraft carrier CAVOUR handovers EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Flagship’s role after almost one year
When she left the homeport of Taranto last 26 June 2015, only 4 days after the Council Decisionwhich launched EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia 
, the Italian aircraft carrier CAVOUR was the first to take part in the European effort to fight against the human trafficker and smugglers in the Central Mediterranean Sea.
Almost one year in which the Italian Navy ship has hosted the European Staff of the Force Headquarters composed by more than 60 officers and petty officer coming from 14 different Member States.
“The professionalism and commitment shown by your crew throughout your long time as EUNAVFOR MED FLAGSHIP has been second to none. With over 200 days at sea, you have made an outstanding contribution to operation Sophia.” With these words, in his farewell message, Operation Sophia Force Commander has expressed his personal gratitude to ITS CAVOUR’s crew composed by more than 500 men and women.
Furthermore, the 2 EH 101 helicopters embarked on the ship have flown more than 400 hours in order to collect pieces of information about suspicious activities at sea also contributing in several occasion to rescue operations also supporting non EUNAVFOR MED naval assets.
Finally, the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour has also operated as floating hospital thanks to her extensive medical capabilities being crucial, in several occasions, for military personnel but also for rescued migrants.
Upon welcoming the Italian light aircraft carrier GARIBALDI , as new mission Flagship, Rear Admiral Enrico CREDENDINO , EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Commander underlined that “CAVOUR has represented the heart of EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia being a point of reference for all the assets that have rotated in the Task Force and bringing the European flag in the troubled waters of the South Central Mediterranean Sea. I wish to express my personal appreciation and gratitude to all the men and women part of CAVOUR’s crew whishing for them a well deserved period of rest together with their beloved ones”
At the moment EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Task Force can count on 5 ships (1 Italian light aircraft carrier, 1 German auxiliary ship, 1 UK hydrographic ship, 1 Spanish frigate, 1 German frigate), 3 organic helicopters (2 Italian, 1 Spanish) and 4 air assets(Luxembourg, Spain, France, Portugal).